Benefit changes ‘bonkers’, says housing chief
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WELFARE benefit changes being proposed by the UK Government have been condemned as "absolutely bonkers" by the chief executive of Thurso-based Pentland Housing Association.
David Brookfield agrees there needs to be a revamp because the current system has become "a complete nightmare" – but he claims the planned changes could result in more homelessness and anti-social behaviour.
Under the reforms, a Universal Credit scheme will be introduced from next year and will result in all benefits being paid in one lump sum rather than on an individual basis. Housing benefit will also be paid to the claimant, who will then be responsible for paying the landlord.
The benefit could be reduced if tenants are deemed to be living in larger properties than necessary.
A person considered to have one room more than they require could lose an average of £11 a week, while anyone with two more bedrooms than they need could face a reduction of £20 a week.
Mr Brookfield is concerned that
these measures will have an adverse impact locally and says there is a lack
of one-bedroom houses in the county.
He warns that the changes could lead to people cutting the amount of food they eat or reducing their heating bills.
Mr Brookfield wonders how people with mental health issues and addiction problems will manage with a one-off payment and is concerned that the changes may lead to "a tidal wave of rent arrears".
He also argues that the reforms could impact hard on people with disabilities and says around 100,000 disabled Scots could end up with no benefit at all. Forty-three per cent of PHA tenants are on benefits, with the remainder in jobs.
"I don’t think the Government understands the issues, and has looked at this as a cost-saving measure and as if everybody is Mr Average when that is not the case," Mr Brookfield said. "Welfare has to be reformed as it has become a complete nightmare – but what the Government is proposing is absolutely bonkers.
"I feel we could be heading slowly towards the American system of welfare."
Mr Brookfield said Pentland Housing Association will give advice and information to tenants and work with other bodies such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau to ensure they get all the benefits they are due.
"Everybody on benefits will be affected in some way," he said. "I don’t believe long-term the reforms will save money. They could well lead to more homeless people and more anti-social behaviour.
"I have yet to see anything positive to come out of it. Tenants are very concerned. We will try and reduce costs for them, as the last thing we want to do is evict tenants."
Mr Brookfield pointed out that the number of people on PHA’s housing list is very low.
"I believe this is because many people think it takes a very long time to get a house unless you are homeless," he said. "This isn’t true, and you could get a house if you are simply living at home with your parents."
Mr Brookfield said PHA is considering plans to reduce its number of board members from 15 to eight and introduce a tenants’ scrutiny panel.
It would look at board decisions and make suggestions on ways it could better serve tenants and save money.
He confirmed that three board members had resigned recently. It was for "personal reasons", he said.
Pentland Housing Association was set up 20 years ago to take over about 350 properties that belonged to the UK Atomic Energy Authority. It now has more than 480 houses in Thurso and Wick and employs 24 staff.
The association operates from premises in Traill Street in Thurso. Its primary function is to manage its housing stock and look after its tenants, but over the years it has diversified into other areas.
Mr Brookfield, who joined the association in 2004, wants it to take on a wider role in the community and have an economic and cultural dimension as well as providing social housing.
He explained that Pentland Community Enterprises was formed in 2006.
"It has given us a commercial focus and is an incubator company that creates new business opportunities and contributes to the community," Mr Brookfield said.
Pentland Energy Advice carries out a range of technical work, including energy-efficiency assessments of properties, while Pentland 365 provides a repair and maintenance service.
Mr Brookfield believes that Caithness has much to offer. "I have lived all over the UK and have never stayed in such a fantastic place with such nice people," he said.
While Mr Brookfield accepts that the decommissioning of Dounreay is resulting in job losses, he believes the Far North has "great potential" in areas such as renewable energy.
"We should take that opportunity and make a go of it," he said. "Now is the time to get motivated and do it."
