DWP report finds councils are ‘frustrated’ by universal credit
- 22 Jul
A government report has found that councils are becoming frustrated with the government’s failure to provide “clear information” on universal credit.
Research was carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the DWP and findings said that “lack of clarity” about timescales for the government’s welfare reform was causing “uncertainty” and “preventing certain decisions being made”, reports Inside Housing.
The report said: “The biggest challenge… was reported to be a lack of clarity about timescales and future plans from DWP. This uncertainty is said to be preventing certain decisions being made, and hindering the amount of preparation that can be done. Lack of consistent or clear information from DWP can be a source of frustration, and often prevents local authorities from being able to prepare or be confident in their preparations.”
The survey was conducted online gaining 145 responses from benefit managers or similar from councils in England, Scotland and Wales.
Findings revealed that 83% of local authorities were working to prepare social landlords for universal credit, with 68% reporting that they were preparing private landlords.
A DWP spokesperson said: “As this survey shows, the vast majority of local authorities are taking positive steps to prepare for universal credit, and we are working closely with them to ensure this runs smoothly.”
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