Darlington Financial Inclusion Action Group
Wednesday 3rdJune,12.00 p.m.
Collaboration Room 4
Bishopsgate House
Darlington
Present
Kate Roe (chair),Cath Whitehead, Hazel Neasham, Mary Hall, Stephanie Brown, Neeraj Sharma, Karen Grundy, Natasha Telfer, Sarah Bentley, Anthony Sandys, Sarah Andrews, Seth Pearson, Jason Livingston, Lisa Marsh, Colin Fyfe
Actions
- Notes of the last meeting
There were no matters arising. It was noted that under point 3, toll should read tool.
- Universal Credit
Jason Livingston (DWP) confirmed that following the general election and re-election of the Conservative Party, the planned roll out of Universal Credit is going ahead with the tranches as previously planned. Darlington is the third in the area to go live which will take place on 23rd November.
He outlined that Universal Credit will combine what was 6 benefits into one monthly payment and that the roll out is going to be a ‘test and learn’ approach starting with a very small group who fit a criteria.
The initial group will be single, non-home owners making a new claim who would have claimed Jobseekers Allowance. Anyone fitting these criteria from 23rd November will be directed online to apply for Universal Credit.
Jason confirmed that once a claimant has started with Universal Credit, they remain in that scheme even if their circumstances change (for example if they started in a relationship).
3rd parties who are involved with those affected are encouraged to be involved and are able to act on behalf of clients.
Jason explained that they had already rolled out Universal Credit to 300 people of the same client group in Hartlepool. In response to questions from the group he was able to explain that very few problems had been encountered but recognised that the client group didn’t reflect the potential complexity of other types of claimants.
- Pension Wise information
Stephanie Brown (CAB) gave an outline of Pension Wise which is a free and impartial advice service provided by the CAB for those with a defined contribution pension. The service is for those who are close to or over 55 years old and is of most benefit to those who are close to making a retirement decision.
She explained the guidance session which explains options and gives guidance (not advice) so that customers can make an informed decision and also gives them information on shopping around and how to avoid falling victim to scams.
Her presentation is available on the Darlington Partnership website
- Data and Analysis
Natasha Telfer (DBC) presented a number of Financial Inclusion indicators including figures related to unemployment, benefit applications, arrears and crime. Many of the figures were agreed to be positive such as a fall in unemployment over the last three quarters. Many of the results appear to reflect changes and issues such as the introduction of ‘Bedroom Tax’ and improved advice networks.
Neeraj Sharma (CAB) queried whether there are any figures related to debt in those who are self-employed. Natasha confirmed that she has this data and suggested that if anyone else had a specific indicator that they wanted to look at, they can contact her. Kate Roe asked for self-employed data to be brought to the next meeting.
Seth Pearson outlined the work previously done by the Welfare Reform Observatory Group and suggested working with Natasha to produce regular results on specific indicators at a regular interval.
- Financial Education
It was proposed that Seth Pearson and Kate Roe raise financial education at the next 11-19 Group meeting to discover what is currently taught. Colin Fyfe (DBS) said that as part of the Festival of Thrift, Darlington Building Society is working with schools on a similar theme to find out what topics would resonate with young people. It was agreed that prior to the 11-19 Group meeting, Seth will liaise with Colin to find out what stage they are at.
Neeraj and Hazel Neasham (DBC) both confirmed that this also links in with work they are each doing.
Seth/Kate to feed back into FIAG at a future meeting. It was suggested that if any of the group have a specific question they would like asking of young people on this topic, that they liaise with Colin.
- Update from Workstreams
- A model for sustainable delivery of Financial Inclusion
Mary Hall (DBC) confirmed that the group set up in response to this has met twice and that they have drawn up draft governance documents and also discussed principles which will be circulated.
-To update at next meeting.
- Advice Network
Sarah Andrews (DBC) advised that Neeraj had sent information on the proposed plans to 5 partners involved in the Transition Fund and that she had sent to others within the field for feedback. She acknowledged that there are issues around accessibility but confirmed that there was agreement ‘in theory’ from partners.
It has been agreed by the Local Authority through the Systems and Information Governance meeting that they are happy for the Advice Network to go ahead. It is estimated that the basic work will be done by the summer then it will need to be populated with information. The aim is for it to go live before the introduction of Universal Credits.
-To update at next meeting.
- Debt advice for employers
Cath Whitehead (DBC) said that she and Seth had attended a Darlington Cares Board meeting but it had a low attendance of business representatives, but those that were there seemed happy with the idea. She said they are going to speak to Neeraj regarding a networking meeting with businesses at a Darlington Cares networking meeting which are better attended by business representatives.
-To update at meeting following attendance at networking event.
- Access to Insurance
Natasha said they have been working on finding statistics related to the uptake of contents insurance but that a clear picture was difficult to find. She advised that Darlington Borough Council offer low-cost contents insurance to tenants but that the take-up is only 6%. There is an above national average rate of privately rented properties in Darlington (16.6%) and a rough estimate would put around 5000 privately rented properties without insurance. She has been looking at the reasons around this which may include that many are short-term tenancies or that the property may not have security measures required for a policy.
Natasha advised that there is currently a Landlord Accreditation Scheme in place in Darlington but that it is ending at the end of June as it is not a statutory requirement. The group agreed that this would have been a good avenue to have used.
Natasha has looked for an established model from another area to replicate but found that nowhere has one.
Hazel said that education and promotion need to be the main focus and the group agreed that there is a need to look at new ways of marketing it.
The question was raised as to whether we need to look at a new insurance product and the feeling was no, so other than promotion and awareness-raising, this isn’t something which should be a priority for the group.
- Any Other Business
- Neeraj outlined 2 programmes of volunteer training for those affected by dementia or bereavement related to budgeting education through GOLD (Growing Old Living in Darlington).
- Lisa Marsh reminded the group that the school summer holidays are coming up and so parents will be looking at buying uniform for the new term. She suggested that schools should be contacted to ensure they are promoting options available to them. Hazel added that this should include things like breakfast clubs. It was agreed that Seth and Kate will raise it at the 11-19 Group meeting.
Sarah queried whether it was known if there was an impact on schools caused by the introduction of free school meals for all children in KS1, as it potentially means that schools won’t be receiving Pupil Premium for those children that would have been entitled to it prior to the change. Cath confirmed that she is aware that there is a known impact but doesn’t have the figures.
Next Meeting: Friday 3rd July, 10:30am