The Chair introduced a report which provided an update following the report brought to Committee in September 2018 (minute 17 refers) on the Early Impact of Universal Credit and corresponding workshops. In accordance with Committee Members’ request it focused on the ongoing roll-out of Universal Credit, the ending of ‘Universal Support’ programme and introduction of ‘Help to Claim’ together with the experience of and any associated impacts upon the operational service delivery teams.

The Assistant Chief Executive apologised on behalf of Lisa Jamieson, Head of Customer Services, who, at very short notice, was unable to be present to answer questions on the report and informed the Committee that written answers would be provided for the Committee.

Members raised questions on the report, which included:

·  How many claimants were being directed to the national ‘Money Advice Service’ by the Authority as expected by the Department of Work and Pensions?

·  The report referred to claimants being able to make telephone claims for Universal Credit but a Member understood that claimants were in fact discouraged from making claims over the telephone.

A Member also voiced concerns at the human cost involved with the legislation on Universal Credit and expressed the view that it was fundamentally flawed.

On motion by the Chair, duly seconded, it was –

Resolved – That the update report be noted.