Citizens Advice response to government statement on backdating benefits

[Amethyst]

Citizens Advice response to government statement on backdating benefits

15-09-2008

Citizens Advice housing policy officer Liz Phelps said:

“Whilst we welcome the fact that the government has amended its original proposals, we are disappointed that from 6 October 2008, backdating of housing benefit will still be cut by six months for people of working age and by nine months for pensioners, inevitably leaving some of the most vulnerable at real risk of eviction. The current facility to backdate benefit over a twelve month period is crucial in preventing homelessness. All backdating does is ensure that vulnerable people who did not claim benefit for any period over the last year, because for example they were in hospital, recently bereaved or had mental health problems, still get the help to which they were entitled.

“It is also difficult to square these changes with the government’s broader aim of simplifying the benefit system. Introducing different entitlements for claimants of different ages within the same benefit will only increase complexity and confusion for both claimants and local authorities.

“Nor is it clear that this will actually save money. As the Social Security Advisory Committee notes, the economic costs of increased possession proceedings and rehousing have not been factored into the savings calculations.

“Citizens Advice Bureaux will be monitoring the impact closely and we will be feeding our evidence into the government’s review of these changes at the end of next year.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
4. Advice and information www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
6. Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089

[hdly2010]

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