Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 April 2018 (attached herewith).

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 April 2018 were submitted and approved, and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe. Councillor Catlin declared that he was acting as substitute for Councillor O’Keeffe for the duration of the meeting.

Verbal update by HEDP Development Project Manager.

The Committee received a verbal update by the HEDP Development Project Manager in respect of projects in the housing development pipeline across Lewes District. A handout which detailed the development pipeline update was tabled at the meeting and a copy of which is published on the website.

Resolved:

That the content of the verbal update be noted.

Report by Functional Lead for Thriving Communities.

The Committee received a report by the Functional Lead for Thriving Communities which provided an update on the roll-out of the full Universal Credit service in Lewes District.

The Committee queried whether or not housing benefits and working tax credit would be part of Universal Credit and if both would continue at the present rates. Officers responded that council tax support and pensions were outside of the parameters of Universal Credit, and it was doubtful that housing benefits and working tax credit would remain at the prevailing rates.

The Committee queried if Universal Credit would have to be applied for. Officers responded that only new applicants would have to apply, however, certain triggers would put a person on Universal Credit. At some point in the future the government would be looking to migrate everyone to Universal Credit, but this would affect residents gradually.

The Committee queried how the Council could monitor the needs of residents within Lewes District. Officers responded that the Council was monitoring the needs of the residents, and officers would keep the Committee up to date with any trends.

The Vice-Chair of the Tenants of Lewes District (TOLD) queried if there were review dates put in place once a person had been allocated Universal Credit. The Senior Specialist Advisor, Thriving Communities, responded that once a person had been allocated Universal Credit it was up to that individual to report any changes in circumstances.

Resolved:

That the content of the report be noted.

The next meeting of the Housing Working Party will be called as necessary.

That the next meeting of the Housing Working Party will be held in October 2018, on a date later to be agreed in consultation with the Chair, the Head of Homes First and the Committee Officer.