Survey raises concerns over new benefit

A survey into a new benefit due to be introduced in Exeter has produced some alarming results.

Universal Credit, which will replace many existing benefits, is being gradually rolled out across the country and will begin to be implemented in Exeter in November.

But research by the Advice Exeter partnership has raised grave concerns about how claimants will be affected, with few aware of the changes and advice agencies worryingly unprepared.

Universal Credit will see significant changes to the way benefits work, from how they are claimed to how they are paid. Some of the biggest changes involve an online-only application process and a new emphasis on personal budgeting, which may adversely affect those who aren’t prepared.

Iain Large, Advice Exeter partnership development officer, said: "This survey revealed to us just how unprepared the public are for the changes to their benefits and also the work the advice sector will be expected to engage in to support these claimants.

"Only nine per cent of advice workers felt they currently had enough knowledge to offer advice on this topic.

"An even greater concern is the Government’s expectation that people would claim online, yet only 57 per cent of the people we surveyed had access to the internet."

The main points raised by the survey include:

• Claimant awareness; 27 per cent of client respondents were aware that benefits will change under Universal Credit, while only 16 per cent appreciated that there would be changes to the way in which benefits were paid. A mere 8 per cent of clients knew that the claims would be made and managed online.
• Provider awareness; only 9 per cent of advice workers questioned thought they knew enough about the changes at present.
• Financial management; 90 per cent of the clients questioned felt they would have difficulty managing their money under Universal Credit.
• Internet access; only 57 per cent of clients surveyed had access to the internet either through a computer, laptop or tablet, while around half didn’t feel they will be able to cope with a detailed online form by themselves. 40 per cent would need externally provided help to complete the application.

Mr Large added: Our report highlights the need for support not only for Universal Credit claimants, many of whom will struggle with the changes, but equally for advice agencies upon whom the burden for providing much of this support is likely to fall. With large-scale change only a few months away, now is the time for advice agencies to make preparations to ensure as smooth transition to Universal Credit.’

Steve Barriball, chief executive of Exeter CAB, said: "There has been a great deal of uncertainty around the timing of the Universal Credit roll-out, and although we have trained all of our workforce, this took place some time ago and now needs refreshing.

"We are confident that we, and our Advice Exeter partner organisations, will be fully prepared to offer support and advice about Universal Credit when the roll out begins in November.

"The phased roll-out from November is likely to mean that initially not huge numbers of people will be affected."

Advice Exeter is a partnership of the following charities: Age UK, Community Housing Aid, Exeter CAB, Exeter Youth Enquiry Service, Homemaker South West and Shelter. It is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Cabinet Office. The partnership surveyed 50 clients and 54 advice workers as part of the research.

You can read the full report on the Advice Exeter website at www.adviceexeter.org.uk