A social safety net: How councils can help residents on Universal Credit

Summary

As part of London’s first ever Challenge Poverty Week, the Trust for London and the London Child Poverty Alliance are hosting an event to support local authorities during the ongoing roll out of Universal Credit.

Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits into one single payment. More than 135,000 people in the city are claiming Universal Credit, with many more soon to transition to the benefit. The move to Universal Credit is leaving many low-income households short of money and in need of help.

This event will look at how local authorities can support local residents when money is tight, and prevent them from falling into debt or destitution. It will present new research into the impact of Universal Credit in London, and the extent to which councils are providing Local Welfare Assistance Schemes, discretionary housing payments and council tax support. There will also be a chance to hear from leading local authorities, as well as frontline practitioners.