To receive a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance providing an update on the implementation of the Universal Credit Delivery Partnership Agreement.

Members noted the good progress that had been made thus far, and discussions were had regarding the take up for the scheme and how claimants accessed the service.

The Head of Exchequer Services confirmed that another agreement would be set for 2016/17 continuing as a trial approach.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Director of Finance

The Committee received a presentation from the Executive Member for Finance and the Head of Revenues and Benefits on Trafford’s Universal Credit Delivery Partnership Agreement which had been implemented on 23^rd June 2014.  The Scrutiny Committee had requested information on the impact of the agreement on the delivery of the Council’s local welfare provision, Trafford Assist.

The Committee were informed that, as the agreement was fully funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, the Council was able to provide the local services requested by the DWP to support their Universal Credit roll out programme which included additional Trafford Assist resource. In addition to the Universal Credit services, the additional resource could be used to support other Trafford Assist customers requiring personal budgeting support.

The Head of Revenues and Benefits gave an overview of the services provided and the support that they were providing to people. The Committee asked a number of questions about the scheme including questions about people in hardship, the impact on students and support for people to make online applications. 

RESOLVED - That the Scrutiny Committee notes the contents of this report and that a further update is provided in 12 to 18 months.