Universal Credit, the Government’s major new scheme, will be introduced in Calderdale from Monday 27 April 2015, for single people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. Calderdale Council is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to help residents through the changes that this will bring.
Over the past two years, the Council has been working with partners to support the roll out of welfare reform in the borough. Now we’ve had confirmation of the date that Universal Credit will go live in Calderdale for single people making a new claim, making us one of the first local authorities in the region that is adopting the new scheme. Universal Credit is intended to support people back into work, providing greater flexibility for those working a few hours a week, making sure that work is rewarded by being more responsive than the current system.
At the next meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet, Members will discuss the partnership agreement to target support for those who need it and to make effective use of existing funding for welfare reform.
This will provide targeted support on financial resilience, supporting digital inclusion and funding projects in the voluntary and community sector, plus training for front line staff and support for residents.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Marcus Thompson, said:
“The introduction of Universal Credit will mean a big change for some residents in the borough. We know this transition may be hard for some, so it’s important we do all we can to offer support to those who need it.
“To deliver a successful roll out of Universal Credit, we are preparing our support plan now, and continuing to work closely with partners such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Calderdale Credit Union, to ensure that residents have access to sufficient support if needed and impartial advice on money management.”
The item will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale’s Cabinet on Monday 2 March at Halifax Town Hall at 6pm.