Agenda item

Further to Minute No. 3(iii) of the meeting held on 12^th July 2006, consideration was given to the content of a briefing note which outlined discussions between officers from Revenues and Benefits Service and NCH Bridges Leaving Care Project on emerging actions to improve how housing benefit is processed for care leavers.

The briefing paper set out:-

• the purpose of the meeting which was to discuss perceived delays in processing Housing Benefit claims for care leavers, and whether anything could be changed to alleviate the ‘perceived’ delays
• issues raised during the discussions
• what was agreed to improve the processing of claims and payments
• how the service will improve due to the changes agreed

The summary accepted that an improved system was required and work on a solution was being progressed.

Also submitted was a paper on difficulties experienced in accessing JSA payments for young people who have been in Local Authority Care.  Case examples were given.

Particular reference was made to the ‘tele-claim’ system, which involved young people having to telephone a centralised number to make a claim for JSA.  The case studies cited the difficulties faced by a number of young people, particularly those who have left care and may have more complex needs.

Subsequent discussion/comments raised the following points:-

-                       how claims are made and care leavers identified in order to process claims;

-                       dealing with and channelling of claims classed as emergency;

-                       when the process for care leavers begins, some weeks prior to their 18^th birthday and if this could be improved;

-                       the ways in which applications for benefit can be made and the reasons why carers cannot be supplied with appropriate forms;

-                       the guidance issued by Government which stipulates the claims process.

Officers acknowledged that more consultation was required between the appropriate departments, providing a better flow of information and communication between them.  Proposals were made by the Job Centre Plus, Contact Centre and NCHBridges staff to improve links between the local agencies to facilitate this.

It was also accepted that the teleclaiming process needed to take account of the difficulties faced by more vulnerable groups including care leavers. It was explained that face-to-face contact was still an option although tele-claiming was the preferred claim route.

It was acknowledge that local Job Centre Plus staff did not have the flexibility to interpret the strict national guidance, however, the proposed steps would go some way to improving communications locally.

Consideration was to be given to the lobbying of MPs on the issues raised, particularly on the interpretation of guidance and having some degree of flexibility for care leavers.

Agreed:-  a)  That the representatives of Job Centre Plus, Contact Centre and Job Centre, NCH Bridges Project and officers from RBT be thanked for their attendance and contribution.

b) That the reports be received and the action being taken be supported.

c) that Local MPs be contacted with regards to the Panel’s concerns about the claims process and asked to lobby the relevant Minister for a change in guidance

b)  That a report on progress be submitted in 12 months time.