Transcript DWP Universal Credit
Universal Credit
December 2012
Speaker name
The Welfare Reform Act 2012
• • • • • The Act introduces a wide range of reforms to: – make the benefits and tax credits system simpler; – create the right incentives to get more people into work; – protect the most vulnerable in our society: and – deliver fairness to those claiming benefit and to the tax payer.
Universal Credit
is at the heart of the Act and the Government’s reforms. Regulations needed to implement key policies in the Act, including Universal Credit, were laid and published on 10 December 2012.
DWP has undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement throughout the development of the Regulations. This is continuing as part of the development of delivery plans and guidance to support claimants and staff. Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) consulted on the draft Regulations in June 2012. The Secretary of State’s response to the SSAC Report on the Regulations was published on 10 December 2012.
Why do we need Universal Credit?
• We are
simplifying a complex system
of multiple benefits: – the current system has over 10,000 pages of guidance for advisors – it is expensive to administer • We are
making work pay
: – more help for low income working families – claimants will keep more of what they earn – improving incentives to increase hours of work – simplified system will make moving to work feel less ‘risky’
What is Universal Credit?
A policy A benefit A gateway A platform An ambition
that tackles welfare dependency, poverty and worklessness by
making work pay
that
replaces a complex system
of working-age benefits and credits with the Universal Credit and a single set of rules that together with our employment support programmes,
helps people into work
that will help us deliver
an internet-age service
whilst continuing face-to-face support for those who need it transforming lives and society through work
How is Universal Credit different?
Current System Universal Credit
The welfare system has
more than 30 benefits
each with their own rules and criteria Universal Credit provides a new single online system of means-tested support for working-age people who are
in or out of work Work incentives can be very low
, benefits are reduced to take account of earnings but different benefits have different rules
Conditionality:
some benefit claimants are capable of working but have no obligations to look for work
Payments
are paid to different adults in a household and for various periods Universal Credit
will make work pay
. Financial support will be reduced at a consistent and predictable rate and people will generally keep a higher proportion of their earnings Universal Credit will
personalise conditions
according to people’s capability and circumstances Universal Credit is
paid on a calendar monthly basis in a single payment to each household
(we will retain ability to pay more frequently or to split payment in exceptional circumstances)
Simplifying a complex system
Current system Income related JSA Income related ESA Income Support (including SMI) Working Tax Credits Child Tax Credits Housing Benefit Disability Living Allowance
Universal Credit
Personal Independence Payment Pension Credit … to include support for housing and children Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance (will remain) Council Tax Benefit (Localised Council Tax Schemes) Contributory JSA and ESA (conditionality rules changing)
Making work pay
• The way UC treats people’s earnings will mean that they are better off in work than they would be in the legacy system. We want people to be clear that getting a job and increasing their earnings will benefit them.
• UC is designed to allow people to keep more of their benefit in the transitional period back to work.
• A simple disregard structure and single taper rate means people are better able to understand their benefit income.
Work allowances (earnings disregards)
• Disregards are an income allowance, i.e. earnings up to a certain level are ignored when calculating how much UC they should receive. • The UC work allowances vary by household composition – structured to focus on those groups who face the highest barriers to work. • The rates for 2013-14 were set out in the Autumn Statement 2012.
The taper
• Earnings will reduce UC awards at a steady rate of 65 per cent once work allowances are exhausted - this means that 35 pence in every pound earned would be kept.
A simpler system with clear work incentives
200 100 0
Universal Credit: lone parent with two children
Total in-pocket income 100 £100 Universal Credit payment £200 £300 £400 £500 £600 £700
Real Time Information
• HMRC’s Real Time Information (RTI) programme aims to improve the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and support the introduction of Universal Credit. • Universal Credit will make work pay by reducing financial support consistently, taking actual earnings into account at the time they are received – using RTI. • Employers will report PAYE income and deductions to HMRC when they pay employees. If employee is a UC claimant, HMRC will send DWP the information. DWP will assess UC entitlement on a monthly basis.
• RTI will be simpler and less burdensome for employers; this is a driving factor behind the changes. • DWP and HMRC officials have been working closely together on the requirements and delivery of RTI and its support for Universal Credit. • Most employers will be required to send PAYE returns in real time from April 2013 and all employers will be routinely reporting PAYE in real time ready for the start of Universal Credit in October 2013.
Real Time Information pilot
• RTI pilot launched on schedule on 11 April 2012. RTI is on track and the pilot is going well.
• The purpose of the pilot is to allow HMRC to learn from how RTI works in practice, enabling them to identify IT issues that come to light and to hone its guidance and support materials • By end September, over 1.9m individual records had been received from over 1,800 PAYE schemes. • Further pilot expansion from November and for PAYE records for 6 million individuals to be reported in real time by up to 250,000 PAYE schemes by March 2013. • External confidence in the pilot growing. HMRC has extended scope of expansion, allowing software developers / payroll bureaux to join or extend their involvement and inviting large employers to join early. • In addition, from November, new employers will be able to use RTI from the outset.
Universal Credit
Designed and built around real claimant journeys
Universal Credit – how is the service being designed?
• Design is focused on
claimant journeys
–System is built from scenarios with tangible stories – covering different household types and circumstances • Building the system using an
‘Agile’ approach
–Build the system in small pieces –Continuous testing – allows much earlier testing of the end-to-end processes –Continuous feedback loops from claimants and staff –Solve problems within the design process –Match requirements to build
Designing the system - tested as we build
Universal Credit
Digital by Default
Universal Credit – why a digital service?
• The service will be
digital by default
because: –it is
better for claimants, staff and taxpayers
. It is: available flexible responsive informative integrated accessible –
the future is digital
: Most jobs need digital skills Mobile devices more prevalent Online services help people save money
What are we doing to prepare for channel shift?
We plan to work across government, private sector and voluntary sector boundaries to create, support and encourage opportunities to deliver the digital message.
DWP
We are increasing activities and support to boost take up of online services, e.g.: through Digital Champions, through providing computer access in Job Centres through implementing JSAOL and using the lessons learned to shape future actions to support channel shift
Public Sector
Developing innovative approaches to getting social housing tenants online through the pilot Digital Deal Initiative Using customer contacts to deliver ‘digital interventions’ (e.g. when tax credits are claimed) HMRC are introducing iForms this autumn and improving information services on new website
Private Sector
In partnership with stakeholder organisations, persuading major employers to support and encourage their people to use work facilities to access online services
During migration
Delivering targeted & timed advice and guidance to claimants on why and how to get online
Voluntary Sector
Collaboration with Go On to extend our reach to a wider range of delivery partners than we can influence on our own Working with voluntary sector who help our claimants Providing advice, support and resources to claimants and potential claimants
Security and identity assurance
• Security is a key issue for Universal Credit. • Before an online claim can be made, we will seek to authenticate the identity of the claimant by using secure identification procedures.
• Only where the claimant’s identity is verified will the claim be treated as authenticated for the purpose of the Universal Credit. • Where a person’s identity can’t be verified online, we will contact the claimant and request they bring in documentation to verify their identity.
Universal Credit
Delivery - Transition
Universal Credit – implementation and transition challenge
Universal Credit supports people into work and continues support to ensure that work pays. To deliver this we need to: – Convert 12 million claims to 8 million household accounts – Create a digital platform that both meets the needs of people who are used to managing their lives online, whilst helping claimants who need extra support to get online – Ensure the right support for claimants – Create a system capable of flexibility and continuous improvement
Universal Credit - delivery
• DWP will lead delivery, drawing on Local Authority and HMRC expertise. But we are keeping options open for approaches to delivery in the longer term.
• DWP and HMRC have announced the sites that will deliver the telephony and processing services for the first phases of Universal Credit from October 2013 –
DWP Benefit Processing Centres
– Birkenhead, Bolton, Canterbury, Cosham, Glasgow, Sunderland, Wolverhampton, Wrexham – –
DWP Telephony Contact Centres
Dundee, Grimsby, Makerfield, Middlesbrough, Paisley
HMRC sites
– Bangor, Bootle, Derby, – Blackpool (Ryscar House), Merry Hill Contact Centre • Telephony and processing sites that are not listed will continue to deliver existing benefits. Further delivery sites will be announced in spring 2013 and 2014.
Testing before delivery
Live Innovation Trialling (started in April 2012)
• To trial components of the end-to-end Universal Credit service proposition in a live environment with real people in real time
Model Office (first took place in April 2012)
• A series of incremental, integrated tests in a ‘controlled’ environment that will be built as the Universal Credit system, processes and support products are developed
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects (started June 2012)
• Testing key elements of incorporating housing support into Universal Credit whilst protecting the financial position of social landlords
Local Authority-led pilots (2013 focus - from autumn 2012)
• Testing service integration, particularly design of face-to-face service delivery, at local level for improved claimant support and work focus
Pathfinder (planned for April 2013 in Greater Manchester and Cheshire)
• An early implementation of Universal Credit – to enable us to learn from experience and build confidence.
Pathfinder
Pathfinder will take place
from April 2013
.
It will test new payment system with local authorities, employers and claimants in a live environment – before national roll-out.
Will target single, unemployed people, with or without rented housing costs, in selected areas in
Tameside, Wigan, Oldham and Warrington
local authority areas.
Key: Pathfinder LA-led pilots Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
West Dunbarton North Lanarkshire Edinburgh Dumfries & Galloway Oldham Wigan Warrington Wakefield West Lindsey Tameside Rushcliffe Shropshire Melton Birmingham Torfaen Oxford Caerphilly North Dorset Newport Bath & NES Southwark Lewisham
Local Authority-led Pilots
2013 focus pilots
Credit.
- Twelve pilots will run from autumn 2012 to September 2013 to explore how local expertise can support residents to claim Universal 2013 focus pilots will look at: - encouraging claimants to access online support independently; - improving financial independence and managing money; - delivering efficiencies and reducing fraud & error; and - reducing homelessness.
Post 2015 focus pilots
local authorities in supporting Universal Credit claimants.
– on the longer term role for Key: LA-led pilots Pathfinder preparation projects Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
West Dunbarton North Lanarkshire Edinburgh Dumfries & Galloway Oldham Wigan Wakefield West Lindsey Shropshire Birmingham Rushcliffe Melton Torfaen Oxford Caerphilly North Dorset Newport Bath & NES Southwark Lewisham
Universal Credit implementation – key dates
APRIL 2013
Pathfinder begins
From OCT 2013 During 2014
National introduction of Universal Credit starts – gradual introduction and testing of further scope and functionality, and phasing out of claims for existing benefits Expansion - new claims from people in work and moving current claimants to Universal Credit in phased approach
2017
Universal Credit roll-out complete
Supporting financial inclusion
• Exploring better tools and accounts • Supporting better budgeting • Differentiation to recognise and respond to varying needs
Financial Products
– working with range of banking and financial product providers to make services more accessible and supportive to low income households. Have issued a call for interest to providers to deliver these products
Tailored Support
- working with advice sector to ensure claimants are able to access appropriate budgeting support
Exceptions
– developing an exceptions framework for those not able to manage Universal Credit, even with support
Universal Credit
Housing
Universal Credit and housing
Universal Credit will be paid to claimants who are in work and out of work. As most businesses pay monthly, Universal Credit will also be paid monthly. Claimants will be responsible for managing all household costs, including rent payments . • To help claimants prepare for Universal Credit, we will test key elements of incorporating housing support into Universal Credit whilst protecting the financial position of social landlords • Direct Payment Demonstration Projects will run for a year in six local authority areas
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects
Six local authorities & housing associations are now trialling direct payments of Housing Benefit to selected tenants
Project timeline
Jun 2012 Jul 2012 Jul 2012 Projects started First direct payments to selected tenants in LAs in England and Wales First bi-monthly Learning Report produced – summary shared on Learning Network Aug 2012 Jan 2013 Jun 2013 Aug / Sep 2013 First direct payments to selected tenants in Edinburgh ‘Learning the Lessons’ report published Project completes Final Project evaluation report published
Edinburgh Wakefield Shropshire Torfaen Oxford Southwark
Universal Credit and Pension Credit
• As a result of the introduction of Universal Credit the following changes will be made to Pension Credit: – help with eligible rent. Support for eligible rent for customers over Pension Credit qualifying age will be provided through a new component of Pension Credit called Housing Credit – help with dependent children. A new additional amount will be included in the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit for dependent children. • The earliest date that these changes will be incorporated into Pension Credit new claims is currently 12 months after the go-live of Universal Credit e.g. October 2014.
• The current planning assumption is that migration of Housing Benefit and Tax Credit information for Pension Age customers will be completed by October 2017.
• The intention is that the migration process for pension age customers will be as intervention free as possible. The underlying principle of the migration approach will be to ensure continuity of financial support.
Universal Credit
Working in partnership
Universal Credit - working with Local Authorities (LAs)
• We are using LA expertise, skills and success to inform the Universal Credit delivery.
• LA groups are represented within the Universal Credit Programme and individual LAs are represented on a range of working groups.
• LAs are taking part in the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects (started in June) and LA-led pilots (from autumn 2012).
• Have visited over 120 LAs and the information obtained has helped shape the development of Universal Credit.
• Started a series of events with Local Authorities across Great Britain on Universal Credit business change impacts.
Universal Credit – working with HMRC
• The Programme is working in partnership with HMRC, using their experience and lessons learned from tax credits and knowledge of in-work customers. HMRC is also: – Developing new processes and IT to stop tax credits – Transferring the HMRC people best suited to help run the new UC service – Safeguarding the current service for tax credit customers and considering the implications of UC on wider tax policies and administration.
• A dedicated ‘HMRC Business Change Team’ has been established in the Programme to ensure the right people from HMRC are involved with the development of UC • HMRC RTI and tax credit officials are seconded to the DWP UC Programme to provide tax credit and employer expertise.
• Joint Ministerial oversight (Lord Freud and David Gauke) and oversight group chaired by Iain Duncan Smith
Universal Credit - working with Scotland
• Social security is a reserved matter for the GB government, but it interacts with many devolved matters. The Programme is engaging with: –
Scottish Government
– members of Universal Credit Senior Stakeholder Board. –
Scottish Local Authorities
– represented on Universal Credit Local Authority forums, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are members of the Senior Stakeholder Board, input from several Scottish Local Authorities to Universal Credit working groups. – The
Universal Credit Scottish Advisory Group
- a tri-partite forum for Scottish Government, COSLA and DWP, to consider impact of Universal Credit in Scotland, share best practice and consider where better alignment is needed between welfare reform measures. –
The third sector and other stakeholders
Group for Scotland. – for example, this year the Programme attended the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations annual conference, Capita’s Scottish welfare reform conference, visited Glasgow Housing Association. We have set up a Support & Exceptions Working • Scotland is represented in testing of Universal Credit Galloway.
– Direct Payment Demonstration Project in Edinburgh and Local Authority-led pilots in West Dunbarton, North Lanarkshire and Dumfries &
Universal Credit – working with Wales
• Social security is a reserved matter for the GB government, but it interacts with many devolved matters. The Programme is engaging with: –
Welsh Government
– members of Universal Credit Senior Stakeholder Board. –
Welsh Local Authorities
– the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) are members of the UC Stakeholder Board and are also represented on the UC Transition Working Group, and we have visited a number of Local Authorities in Wales.
– The
Universal Credit Welsh Advisory Group
- a tri-partite forum for Welsh Government, WLGA and DWP, to consider impact of Universal Credit in Wales and share best practice. –
The third sector and other stakeholders
Wales. – for example, our visits to Welsh Local Authorities have involved meetings with landlords (social and private) and hearing from third sector partners involved in supporting claimants with complex needs. Developing a Support & Exceptions Working Group for • Wales is represented in testing of Universal Credit – Direct Payment Demonstration Project in Torfaen, Local Authority-led pilots in Caerphilly and Newport.
How is the Programme engaging with external organisations?
Stakeholder Strategy in place • Engagement at different levels • Links to appropriate areas within Programmes Includes engagement at: • Roundtable Senior Stakeholder Forums • Events targeted at areas of design • Local engagement with local stakeholders • Touchbase, e-bulletin
Universal Credit
Summary and conclusion
Conclusion
• Universal Credit is at the heart of the Government’s welfare reforms – aims to
simplify the benefits system
and
make work pay
, while
providing support for those who need it
.
• We are making
good progress
in delivering Universal Credit.
• We are building a
21 st Century benefits system
continuous improvement from the outset.
– designed with flexibility and with • We are designing
a service based on claimant journeys
that design from the outset.
– involving them and staff in • We are aware that there are
challenges ahead.
• We are
working with our partners and stakeholders
service for our claimants.
, using their specialist knowledge and skills to understand and meet those challenges, so we design and deliver a successful