Two-thirds of Universal Credit claimants are behind on their rent in Doncaster

Two-thirds of Doncaster residents who are on Universal Credit are behind on their rent - but the number is falling, new figures show.
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Data provided by St Leger Homes reveals 5,041 peopleare now on the means-tested benefits system but 66 per cent - or 3,345 residents are in rent arrears.

About 7,500 tenants are expected to be affected by Universal Credit over a four year rollout period.

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Universal Credit is a benefit payment for people in or out of work and combines six previous welfare payments, such as housing benefit, child tax credits, working tax credits and jobseeker’s allowance, into one sum.

Universal CreditUniversal Credit
Universal Credit

The system is supposed to make it less confusing, but critics have said people claiming UC have been waiting several weeks for payment.

Despite two-thirds being behind on their rent, the figure is down from 75 per cent during the 2018-19 financial year.

However, St Leger and Doncaster Council are now owed about £1.36 million - an increase from £1.08m from the same 5,041 residents since the last figures were published in March.

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The average number of new claimants is about 35 per week over the period to date, but new claimants have been at about the 70 per week level in March 2020.

The total rent arrears for those who are claiming UC is £1.36m, however, it should be noted that prior to claiming UC the total arrears for the same 5,041 claimants was £1.08m, meaning the impact of UC on arrears levels is an increase of £280k,000.

Nigel Feirn, St Leger head of finance and business assurance, said: “At the time of writing this report, 31 per cent of all UC cases have alternative payment Aarrangements for direct payment to St Leger, up slightly from 30 per cent at the end of December.

“We continue to work collaboratively with the Department for Work and Pensions and the council to ensure all customers are supported to make and maintain their Universal Credit claim.

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“Referrals to our tenancy sustainability service for intensive support continue to grow from commencement in 2018, and we have supported 2,326 customers and secured in total more than £1.27m of financial gains for supported clients.”