Laura Sharman 18 May 2015

Welfare reforms could hinder innovation warns report

Cuts to welfare funding will put pressure on local authorities to support vulnerable people and deliver efficiency plans, new research is warning.

A report, published by Grant Thornton, finds that many councils are currently plugging the finding gap with temporary measures such as local hardship funding and discretionary housing payment (DHP) allocations. However, it says these schemes are likely to be impacted by future cuts by the Government.

Paul Dossett, head of local government at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: ‘In general, welfare reform has prompted an impressive response from many local authorities and housing associations and has been a key driver for innovation and improvement. The question is, can they continue to make efficient use of rapidly reducing resources?

‘Our research suggests that without flexibility from Whitehall and further measures, such as devolution of welfare funding, this is unlikely.’

The survey revealed that nearly half of local authorities (47%) said housing benefit is significantly more expensive to administer following welfare reforms, with the majority also seeing a rise in council tax and rent arrears as a result of reforms.

The respondents also said some policies have not been as effective as planned, with less than 10% of residents affected by the bedroom tax moving to a smaller property.

Mr Dossett added: ‘The collective impact of welfare reform on those in need of support is to some degree hidden due to the lack of data on the causal link between welfare reform and poverty. Our research found that only 42% of local authorities track poverty levels to measure the impact of welfare reform.’

The report calls on the Government to devolve funding and powers for welfare administration to local government.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner