Developing strategies to deal with Welfare Reform Half-Day Workshop
6th July 2011 Community Gateway, Preston
The Welfare Reform Bill introduces a number of key changes to the benefits system through the principle of Universal Credit. Additionally, a number of significant benefits changes have already occurred, particularly in relation to Housing Benefit for example, Local Housing Allowance arrangements and an increase in nondependants additions. The simplification of the benefits system and the predicted increase in income for families is to be welcomed. But the changes, the most significant since 1988, pose significant challenges for housing providers, claimants and those administering the benefits system. This workshop provides an opportunity for housing providers, those involved with provision of housing benefit, and policy officers to gain an overview of the welfare reforms and the potential effects on tenants and housing organisations and to consider the key challenges. As with all major benefit changes, the impacts can be very significant and it is essential to start planning for change and monitoring impact now. The workshop provides an opportunity to begin the process of planning and developing your organisation’s approach to dealing strategically with Welfare Reform. Event outcomes: • Understand the: o national policy framework o proposed benefit changes o areas of concern in relation to implementation •
Understanding the potential impacts for: o Your organisation o Your tenants/users
•
Developing a strategic approach: o Planning for the changes now o What partnerships do you need to develop? o How to inform and skill your staff
Who should attend?
This workshop will be of particular interest to senior housing managers including Directors of housing organisations and local authority Heads of Service, strategy and policy managers and senior housing benefits managers.
Programme
9.15
Registration
9.30
Welcome and introduction
9.45
Overview of Welfare Reform changes - what developments have taken place so far and expectations for the future Jo Linney, Consultant and welfare benefits specialist With extensive experience including working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in relation to the transfer from Transitional Housing Benefit to Supporting People grant, Jo has a detailed understanding of the implications for housing providers, housing benefit departments and housing policy and strategy officers. Jo will give a thorough overview of: • • •
The national policy framework and proposed benefit changes Areas of concern in relation to implementation Implications for housing organisations and tenants/users
10.45 What are the potential implications for the North?
Charlotte Harrison, Director of Policy, Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) Based on the Northern Housing Consortium’s research, Charlotte will explain: •
• •
The cumulative impact on households and communities and housing organisations in the North What action the NHC is taking What housing organisations need to consider in planning for the future
11.10 Refreshments 11.30 Welfare Reform – a key business risk Nick Atkin, Chief Executive, Halton Housing Trust In this session, Nick will explain how Halton Housing Trust have: • •
Assessed the potential impact on the organisation Taken steps to deal with the impacts
12.00 Taking steps to develop strategies for dealing with Welfare Reform Jo Linney, Consultant and welfare benefits specialist Jo’s session will explore issues including: • • •
What do we need to do? Who do we need to work with? How do we work together
13.00 Next steps
Jo Linney, Consultant and welfare benefits specialist
13.30 Close
Developing strategies to deal with Welfare Reform Half day workshop 6th July 2011, Community Gateway, Preston Delegate fees Northern Housing Consortium Member
ÂŁ79
Non Member
ÂŁ99 All delegate fees are shown excluding VAT.
How to book Online To book your delegate place at this event and to view our full terms & conditions and cancellation policy, please click below.
Book Online
Telephone To make a provisional booking please telephone our events team;
0191 566 1000 Please note, any telephone reservations are made on a provisional basis and must be confirmed in writing within 2 working days.
Contact us For further information, or if you have a query, please contact a member of the events team: Telephone: 0191 566 1000 Email: events@northern-consortium.org.uk
Download a copy of the programme here