Universal Credit Regulations Call for Evidence
|
|
- Juliet Atkinson
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Universal Credit Regulations Call for Evidence Introduction Refuge opened the world s first refuge in 1971 and is now the country s largest single provider of specialist domestic violence services. On any one day, around 2,000 women and children access Refuge s services. These services include: Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: Run in partnership between Refuge and Women s Aid Refuge accommodation: Refuge runs 45 refuges across 16 local authority areas Floating support: Working with women who are either still living with their abuser and/or those who have left their abuser and require support Community outreach: Refuge supports women from ethnic minority groups, including Vietnamese and East European women from Bulgaria, Poland and Romania Independent advocacy: Refuge s independent domestic violence advocates operate across London and Coventry and Warrington, supporting women through the civil and criminal courts Prevention and education: Refuge works to influence the Government s response to domestic violence and raise public awareness of the issue Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a partner or ex-partner and one in nine are severely physically abused each year. In 90% of domestic violence incidents, children are in the same or next room. 38% of women calling the 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership with Women s Aid) are in immediate danger and need to escape with their children to emergency accommodation. Victims of domestic abuse are at greatest risk of homicide when they are attempting to separate from a violent partner. They often leave everything behind and arrive with very few possessions. Research by Refuge found that 89% of women accessing its services had experienced financial abuse, and the majority of those women were what the Government considers to be financially excluded 1. Around one-third of women accessing Refuge s services do not have a bank account. A large number of women in refuges will have previously applied for a Crisis Loan, either prior to coming into a refuge or whilst in a refuge. Often, at point of entry into a refuge, women will arrive with no money and few, if any, personal possessions for themselves or their children. 1 %20(Web).pdf 1
2 Summary Refuge responded to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation on Universal Credit. This response summarises the concerns we raised in relation to the impact of the implementation of Universal Credit on refuges. There has been no reference in the regulations to supported housing or exempt accommodation, which makes it difficult for providers like Refuge to plan for the impact of the changes. Refuges are unique in terms of the specialist support they provide to abused women and children. If the proposed payment arrangements are applied to refuges, their financial viability could be threatened. Delayed payments could leave survivors with no resources for a considerable period of time, and providers with cash flow problems. Refuge does not think Universal Credit will be workable for this type of supported housing. We understand that funding to local authorities for discretionary housing payments will be increased. However, given the number of people affected by the changes, demand is highly likely to exceed the funding available. We are also concerned that some local authorities would apply local connection to discretionary payments, which is not appropriate to women fleeing domestic abuse who must leave their local area in order to stay safe. There has been no information on how vulnerable clients will be identified and how their claims will be processed. Online management of claims must be secure and confidential for this client group. One of the biggest threats to the future sustainability of refuge provision is the proposal to make some service charges, which are essential to the operation of refuges, ineligible. We are extremely concerned that the regulations do not allow for rents to reflect the unique position of refuges providing crisis family accommodation. We would urge that this policy be reconsidered. 2
3 Information Claims and payments There is a national shortage of refuge provision.. Refuge accommodation is, by its very nature, short-term emergency accommodation. Women and children often flee to our services seeking a place of safety away from the danger area where the abuse has been perpetrated. Refuge understands that a snapshot will be taken of a woman s financial situation on a given day and that this snapshot will be used as the basis for determining her entitlement to housing costs for a whole month. This is clearly unworkable for refuge accommodation, as women and children often arrive and leave at very short notice. Women experience many forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Perpetrators of abuse exert power and control over their victims. Women who reach our services may have had their every movement controlled, being told when they can leave the house and for how long, what they can wear and how much money they are allowed to spend. It is not unusual for perpetrators to control all of the benefits for a household and to accumulate debt in a woman s name. Very often a woman will arrive at a refuge with no money at all. Refuge is concerned that a woman who moves in to a refuge at the beginning of the month but does not receive payment until 7 days after the end of the month will not have enough money to survive during this period. Likewise, a woman who has been working may lose her job through fleeing domestic violence. She may arrive at the refuge on, for example, the 2 nd of the month but would not get paid until 8 th of the following month. Benefit payment periods If Universal Credit is used to cover housing costs in supported housing, the practice of paying monthly in arrears 7 days after the end of the period (if the payment is on time) will impact greatly on small providers who cannot afford to operate in this way. The level of arrears for refuges will increase if women receive one month s housing benefit payment in arrears and have already left their accommodation. The impact of managing a higher level of rent arrears would be financially disastrous for smaller organisations such as Refuge who may have no means of retrieving those arrears. Payment to landlords It is still not clear exactly how vulnerable clients will be identified. The current plans state that only the individual can request direct payment. We have been assured that claims 3
4 involving domestic abuse will be classified as vulnerable and therefore payments will go directly to the landlord. However, there has been little information on practical arrangements for identifying vulnerable clients and payment direct to landlords. It is absolutely crucial that any online claims for victims of domestic abuse are secure and confidential. Discretionary payments Refuge welcomes the additional funding to local authorities for discretionary payments. We note that there is a fixed amount for each area and that, although local authorities have discretion to match central government funding, there is no obligation to do so. Refuge believes it is essential that the funds for discretionary payments are ring-fenced. The demands on discretionary payments are likely to be high, particularly when local Housing Benefit departments restrict the amounts payable to some refuge residents, in particular those under the age of 25. This will leave these women in an impossible position: whilst no longer needing the care and support of a refuge, they may not be able to find anywhere safe to live that is affordable, especially in London. (Under 25 s are only entitled to a shared room rate). This will leave under 25 s particularly vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation. 23% of our current service users are under the age of 25 (202 aged years old, of whom 46 are years old). Discretionary payments are for all categories of vulnerable people. The draft DWP Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual April 2013 acknowledges that demand for discretionary payments will be high: Given the numbers of people affected by changes, awarding DHPs to meet all shortfalls is not going to be a viable option. You will need to consider how best to target the funding within your priority groups, whilst remembering that each case must be considered on its own individual merit. Refuge recommends that local authorities be required to prioritise discretionary payments for women escaping domestic abuse and ensure timely access to funds. Local authorities will need to give careful consideration as to how discretionary payments will be administrated, especially if initial claims for Universal Credit are to be administered centrally, online or on the telephone. We are also concerned that local authorities may introduce local connection as one of the criteria for assessing discretionary payments. Women fleeing domestic abuse very rarely stay in their local area as it is not safe to do so. The DWP should ensure that women fleeing domestic abuse are not discriminated against by local authorities because they do not have a local connection. 4
5 Rent levels and service charges Refuge is extremely concerned about proposals to make some existing service charges ineligible. Rent levels in our services can be higher than some other client groups. Our client group is extremely vulnerable with a high level of need, requiring intensive support. We support a high number of children at any given time. Refuge accommodation is a short-term emergency service. Throughput is much higher than in some other client groups and therefore a higher level of housing management is required. Due to the nature of our services, refuges are often in more expensive residential areas and need to be close to amenities. The types of housing costs that are typically higher for our client group are: 24-hour call out, 365 days per year Children s equipment, play areas and furniture Heavy wear and tear on the fabric of the buildings Provision of basic requirements for women and children who often arrive with just the clothes they are wearing Provision of furniture, bed linen, towels etc. due to lack of belongings Enhanced security such as CCTV and extra security on all entrances and windows Intensive housing management due to high turnover and the crisis nature of our work Service charges for women escaping domestic abuse are already particularly vulnerable to challenge by local authorities that do not understand the unique and complex nature of a service for vulnerable women and children who often have multiple complex needs. This makes comparison with cost in supported housing difficult, and with ordinary housing impossible. Refuges provide short-term emergency accommodation for women and children. Women in our services often arrive at a point of crisis, bringing with them few, if any, belongings. We have no option other than to provide furniture and fittings and other essential items. In addition, our furniture, carpets, white goods etc. receive heavy wear and tear. Children s play areas and communal gardens are essential in helping children rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma they have experienced. 78% of children in our London refuges are under the age of seven. We are extremely concerned that the regulations do not allow for rents to reflect the unique position of refuges providing crisis accommodation for families. Security in our refuges is also of the utmost importance. Items such as entry phones are integral to the running of the service; Refuge is concerned that these provisions may not be covered. Due to the high turnover of clients and the crisis nature of our work, intensive housing management is a key element of the service we provide to women. We recently carried out 5
6 a time management survey with our staff which showed that staff working in refuge accommodation spend at least 20% of their time dealing with tenancy issues, collecting rent, ensuring health and safety is carried out to the required standard, working with the residents around communal living etc. Local authorities who fund support will not pay for this element of the service. If we are no longer able to charge intensive housing management we will not be able to fund the level of staffing hours needed to run a refuge. Registered Social Landlords with whom we work will not allow us to move any costs to core rent as this takes rent above the rent convergence level required by the Homes and Communities Agency. Women will not be able to afford to pay the additional costs themselves and will be faced with the option of: 1) Remaining with the perpetrator of the abuse because they cannot afford to move out. 2) At the point of leaving a perpetrator - when they are in most danger and are at their most vulnerable - moving to unsuitable accommodation without additional security and specialist support. Refuge has carried out scenario planning for every single one of our refuges. The impact of the service charge reduction or exclusion measures will mean the closure of all our refuges, resulting in the loss of 297 units of refuge accommodation across the country. We would also have to close our floating support services as they are often run alongside our refuge provision. If this is the case for our refuges, it must be the same for many, many more. If our life-saving services were to close, the cost to the public purse would increase substantially. The Cap Gemini report which researched the financial benefits of the Supporting People programme estimates that, in relation to domestic abuse, the increased costs to the public purse associated with events that might otherwise be prevented or minimized is likely to rise by 24,701 per event. This is broken down as follows: An average 20,702 cost arising from severe incidents of domestic violence, including hospital, ambulance and Criminal Justice System costs. An average 2,665 cost arising from homelessness, including social costs of homelessness and costs of emergency accommodation (e.g. B&B). An average 516 cost from homicides (corresponding to an increase from around one per 1,000 population per annum to around four), including human and emotional costs and costs to the Health Service and Criminal Justice System. An average 213 cost from tenancy failure. An average 199 from being a victim of a minor incident of domestic violence, including hospital, ambulance and Criminal Justice System costs. 6
7 Additional other, less significant event costs which total to an annual average of 406. Recommendations 1. Refuges should be considered as unique in terms of the specialist support they provide and should be removed from Universal Credit. Survivors accommodated in refuge services should be exempt from the benefit cap. 2. The removal of certain types of eligible service charges should not apply to refuges, as specific elements are essential to the service provision. Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing element should continue to pay the whole rent including all of the service charges/running costs of the refuge service. 3. Payments should be made directly and immediately to the refuge service for the full period of a survivor s stay. 4. The online management of claims by domestic violence survivors must be secure and confidential. 5. It is essential that funds for discretionary payments are ring-fenced. 6. Every local authority should have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all victims fleeing domestic abuse are able to access discretionary payments quickly and efficiently. 7. Local authorities should not exclude women in refuges from accessing discretionary payments by applying local connection criteria. 7
Department for Work and Pensions Housing Benefit Reform Supported Housing October 2011
Department for Work and Pensions Housing Benefit Reform Supported Housing October 2011 About Refuge Refuge is the single largest provider of specialist domestic violence services in the country and in
More informationSupport for housing costs in the reformed welfare system: Evidence from the national domestic violence charity Refuge
Support for housing costs in the reformed welfare system: Evidence from the national domestic violence charity Refuge 1. Executive summary 1.1 The majority of women using our services have been systematically
More informationResponse to National Housing Federation Consultation on Funding Supported and Sheltered Housing
Response to National Housing Federation Consultation on Funding Supported and Sheltered Housing This response is made by Refuge, the country s largest provider of specialist services for women and children
More informationWritten evidence on the future of supported housing
Written evidence on the future of supported housing February 2017 Summary of key points Refuges form part of the national solution to tackle violence against women and girls. Refuge supports a national
More informationGwendolyn Sterk, Public Affairs Manager. Welsh Women s Aid.
Submission to the Department of Communities and Local Government and Department of Work and Pensions Consultation on Funding for Supported Housing, February 2017 Names: Organisation: mail address: Telephone
More information2. If you answered YES what was the percentage of the funding reductions or increases experienced?
23 rd October 2014 Refuge response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence Inquiry: The Changing Landscape of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services 1. Have changes to funding
More informationDOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HOMELESSNESS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HOMELESSNESS Hilary Fisher Director of Policy, Voice and Membership WOMEN S AID o The national domestic violence charity help up to 250,000 women & children every year o Network of
More informationRefuge response to Ministry of Justice Transforming Legal Aid: Delivering a more credible and efficient system 4 June 2013
Refuge response to Ministry of Justice Transforming Legal Aid: Delivering a more credible and efficient system 4 June 2013 Introduction Refuge opened the world s first refuge in 1971 and is now the country
More informationRenting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 Guidance relating to Supported Accommodation
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 Guidance relating to Supported Accommodation Response Form The closing date for replies is Friday 28 April 2017 Returning this form Please send this completed form to us
More informationNowhere To Turn, Women s Aid NOWHERE TO TURN. Findings from the fi rst year of the No Woman Turned Away project
1 NOWHERE TO TURN Findings from the fi rst year of the No Woman Turned Away project Executive summary The No Woman Turned Away (NWTA) project was commissioned by the Department of Communities and Local
More informationDepartment for Social Development. A Response to: Discretionary Support Policy Consultation. 11 September 2012
Department for Social Development A Response to: Discretionary Support Policy Consultation 11 September 2012 Women s Aid Federation Northern Ireland 129 University Street BELFAST BT7 1HP Tel: 028 9024
More informationDOMESTIC ABUSE GUIDANCE: SUPPORTING PEOPLE & MULTI-AGENCY WORKING
DOMESTIC ABUSE GUIDANCE: SUPPORTING PEOPLE & MULTI-AGENCY WORKING JULY 2007 1 BLANK PAGE 2 CONTENTS 1. Introduction The Guidance in Strategic Context Purpose 2. Legislative and Policy Framework Definition
More informationConsultation response to
Consultation response to Provision of Discretionary Support 2013: A Consultation on Service Design Department for Social Development 23 April 2013 Women s Aid Federation Northern Ireland 129 University
More informationWomen s Aid Submission to JCHR Inquiry into violence against women and girls March 2014
Women s Aid submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into violence against women and girls Summary Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that supports a network of around
More informationSURVIVAL AND BEYOND THE DOMESTIC ABUSE REPORT 2017 REPORT SUMMARY
SURVIVAL AND BEYOND THE DOMESTIC ABUSE REPORT 2017 REPORT SUMMARY Authors Sarah Davidge and Lizzie Magnusson Research and Evaluation Team, Women s Aid Acknowledgments We are extremely thankful to all the
More informationFUNDING A NATIONAL NETWORK OF REFUGES
FUNDING A NATIONAL NETWORK OF REFUGES Providing a lifeline for families fleeing domestic abuse Developing a sustainable funding mechanism for refuges 2 Funding a national network of refuges: providing
More informationDOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS WITH NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS PRACTICE GUIDANCE OXFORDSHIRE
DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS WITH NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS PRACTICE GUIDANCE OXFORDSHIRE 2010 Introduction The purpose of this guide is to assist practitioners who support people with no recourse to public
More information1. Scottish Women s Aid
Scottish Parliament Equality and Human Rights Committee Inquiry into Destitution, Asylum and Insecure Immigration Status in Scotland Written evidence submitted by Scottish Women s Aid March 2017 1. Scottish
More informationA response to. Examining the use of Expert Witnesses appearing in the Courts in Northern Ireland. Department of Justice.
A response to Examining the use of Expert Witnesses appearing in the Courts in Northern Ireland Department of Justice 20 February 2015 Women s Aid Federation Northern Ireland 129 University Street BELFAST
More informationWomen s Aid Federation of England Annual Survey of Domestic Violence Services Abbreviated version
Women s Aid Federation of England Annual Survey of Domestic Violence Services 2011-12 Abbreviated version Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 About Women s Aid 1.2. Services provided by local community-based
More informationWomen s Aid data on domestic abuse service provision
Women s Aid data on domestic abuse service provision Introduction Women s Aid collects data on domestic abuse services, the women and children who use them and the level of provision on an on-going basis.
More informationApril
Women s Aid submission to the Justice Committee Inquiry into the Impact of Changes to Civil Legal Aid Question 8: To what extent are victims of domestic violence able to satisfy the eligibility and evidential
More informationA joint meeting of the APPG on Ending Homelessness & the APPG on Domestic Violence
Minutes of the APPG on Domestic Violence Meeting A joint meeting of the APPG on Ending Homelessness & the APPG on Domestic Violence Monday 21 May, 2-3:30pm Boothroyd Room, House of Commons The joint meeting
More informationPrivate Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Sponsor a refugee Financial support rules for sponsoring groups
Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Sponsor a refugee Financial support rules for sponsoring groups Overview: The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that resettled refugees receive
More informationSummary of Key Points
NRPF Network s Submission to Greater London Authority Consultation: The Way Forward: A Call for Action to End Violence Against Women July 2009 Table of Contents Summary of Key Points...1 No Recourse to
More informationIntroduction. Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Consultation on Development of the Department s Strategy for
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Consultation on Development of the Department s Strategy for 2017-2020 Introduction Threshold is a national housing charity with regional advice centres
More informationThe Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill Briefing for the House of Lords, Committee Stage, January 2012
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill Briefing for the House of Lords, Committee Stage, January 2012 VIOLENCE AGANIST WOMEN IN THE UK The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders
More informationDomestic abuse inquiry
Contact details: Nicola Sharp-Jeffs Nicola.Sharp@survivingeconomicabuse.org,uk 07551 783 193 Domestic abuse inquiry Written evidence to the Home Affairs Committee July 2018 About Surviving Economic Abuse
More informationSubject: HOUSING ALLOCATIONS POLICY REVIEW
Report of the Assistant Director Economy and Development to the meeting of the Regeneration and Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee to be held on 27 April 2017 AB Subject: HOUSING ALLOCATIONS POLICY
More informationWELFARE REFORM COMMITTEE WELFARE FUNDS (SCOTLAND) BILL SUBMISSION FROM SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL
WELFARE REFORM COMMITTEE WELFARE FUNDS (SCOTLAND) BILL SUBMISSION FROM SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL About Scottish Refugee Council 1. Scottish Refugee Council is Scotland s leading refugee charity with a vision
More informationGETTING AND PAYING FOR HOUSING
GETTING AND PAYING FOR HOUSING A GUIDE FOR THOSE ADVISING POLISH VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE Sue Lukes TEL: 0800 061 4004 E-mail: info@polishdvhelpline.org FOREWORD We are very pleased to present this guide
More informationHousing Allocation and Homelessness. Liz Davies, barrister Garden Court Chambers 16 April 2015
Housing Allocation and Homelessness Liz Davies, barrister Garden Court Chambers 16 April 2015 Housing Allocation Housing Act 1996, Part 6 (not amended by Localism Act 2011); 2015 Code of Guidance for Local
More informationGuide to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit John Zebedee, Martin Ward and Sam Lister
Guide to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit 2011 12 John Zebedee, Martin Ward and Sam Lister Sample Chapter Buy the book at: http://england.shelter.org.uk/shop/publications Contents 1 Introduction
More informationSummary of Key Points
NRPF Network s Submission to Home Office Consultation: Together we can end Violence against Women and Girls May 2009 Table of Contents Summary of Key Points...1 No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network...1
More informationRefugee Council Refugees without refuge. Findings from a survey of newly recognised refugees
Refugee Council Refugees without refuge Findings from a survey of newly recognised refugees September 2017 Refugee Council Refugees without refuge Findings from a survey of newly recognised refugees September
More informationBoard Member s Conference 2013 Legal Update Where are we now?
Board Member s Conference 2013 Legal Update Where are we now? Jonathan Hulley, Head of Housing and Asset Management Clarke Willmott LLP T: 0845 209 1594 E: jonathan.hulley@clarkewillmott.com W: www.clarkewillmott.com
More informationREFUGEE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REFUGEE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What are the main reasons that people become refugees, and what other reasons drive people from their homes and across borders? There are many reasons a person may
More informationNeath Port Talbot County Borough Council. and. NPT Homes Limited SHARED LETTINGS POLICY
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and NPT Homes Limited SHARED LETTINGS POLICY 2015 Document Control Version Number 1 Previous version No. N/A Applicable To: All Staff/Board Members Prospective
More informationDomestic violence injunctions under the Family Law Act. This leaflet deals with applications that are made at a family court.
FL700 Domestic violence injunctions under the Family Law Act How can it help me? This leaflet tells you how the Family Law Act can help you. It explains who can apply for a domestic violence injunction,
More informationHousing Act 1996 Part 7. incorporating pending amendments under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Housing Act 1996 Part 7 incorporating pending amendments under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Housing Act 1996 Part 7 incorporating pending amendments 2 Purpose of this guide Part 7 of the Housing
More informationDraft Refugee and Asylum Seeker Delivery Plan. Section 1 Health and Social Services. Mental Health. Actions to achieve priority
Draft Refugee and Asylum Seeker Delivery Plan Section 1 Health and Social Services Mental Health Mainstream expertise, awareness and support in mental health services and other support services During
More informationBriefing note: The right to rent scheme and asylum support
June 2017 Briefing note: The right to rent scheme and asylum support WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE? These provisions apply to England only and unless indicated otherwise for tenancies entered into from 1 st February
More informationPre-1996 protection: How the regulations work
Pre-1996 protection: How the regulations work This note explains how a housing benefit (HB) claimant who has remained on HB at the same property since 1 January 1996 is exempt from the social sector size
More informationPrivate Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Sponsor a refugee Financial support guidelines for sponsoring groups
Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program Sponsor a refugee Financial support guidelines for sponsoring groups Overview: The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that resettled refugees receive
More informationParliamentary inquiry into asylum support for children and young people
Parliamentary inquiry into asylum support for children and young people December 2012 1. About Barnardo s 1.1 Barnardo s is the UK s largest children s charity, with 800 services supporting over 200,000
More information("Regard" ), an established provider of care and support. On the same date the reversion on the
DECISION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSIONER CH/3811/2006 1. This is an appeal by the Claimant, brought with the permission of the Chairman, against a decision of the Manchester Appeal Tribunal made on
More informationDOMESTIC VIOLENCE. AN MP s GUIDE. Supplementary Booklet
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AN MP s GUIDE Supplementary Booklet CONTENTS PAGE Foreword Page 1 Introduction: Aims of booklet, recognising domestic violence Page 2 Government action and national delivery Page 4 Domestic
More informationHomelessness Reduction Bill
Homelessness Reduction Bill (Bob Blackman) (Second Reading 28 October) Homelessness Reduction Bill A Bill to amend the Housing Act 1996 to make provision about measures for reducing homelessness; and for
More informationWill the Bill Stop Her Being Turned Away? Support for survivors with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
Minutes of the APPG on Domestic Violence Meeting Will the Bill Stop Her Being Turned Away? Support for survivors with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) 5-6pm, Wednesday 1 November 2017 Committee Room
More informationEX306. The small claims track in the civil courts. About this leaflet. If your dispute has gone to court. Important information about this leaflet
EX306 The small claims track in the civil courts If your dispute has gone to court About this leaflet This leaflet is for people involved in a dispute that has gone to court and the claim has been allocated
More informationContents Page Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Housing Allocation Scheme 2015 Updated 15th July 2015 Contents Page Section 1: 4 1.1 The purpose of the allocation scheme 4 1.2 The legal context in which the scheme
More informationHousing Act 1996, Part 7
1 Housing Act 1996, Part 7 As it would read if the Homelessness Reduction Bill as introduced to the House of Lords on 30 January 2017 is enacted without further amendment. Black text = currently in force
More informationLPG Models, Methods and Processes
LPG1.7.12 Models, Methods and Processes Initial Investigation and Recording a Crime Student Notes Version 1.06 The NPIA is operating as the Central Authority for the design and implementation of Initial
More informationFamily Violence Prevention and Services Act: Programs and Funding
Family Violence Prevention and Services Act: Programs and Funding Garrine P. Laney Analyst in Social Policy March 31, 2009 Congressional Research Service CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and
More informationMigrant workers Social services duties to provide accommodation and other services
Law Centre (NI) Community Care Information Briefing No. 14 (Revised edition) August 2012 Migrant workers Social services duties to provide accommodation and other services At a glance It is likely that,
More informationSection 8 Possession Proceedings
Section 8 Possession Proceedings Miriam Seitler Landmark Chambers 5 th June 2018 1 Section 5, Housing Act 1988 (1) An assured tenancy cannot be brought to an end by the landlord except by (a) obtaining
More informationFinancial guidelines for submitting refugee sponsorships with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
Refugee Sponsorship Financial Guidelines SAH: Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada (C&MA) Financial guidelines for submitting refugee sponsorships with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
More informationTHE AIRE CENTRE Advice on Individual Rights in Europe
THE AIRE CENTRE Advice on Individual Rights in Europe Written Evidence of the AIRE Centre to the Joint Committee on Human Rights on Violence against Women and Girls The AIRE Centre is a non-governmental
More informationCHAPTER 3 APPLYING FOR ADMISSION A. GENERAL POLICY This chapter describes the policies and procedures for completing an initial application for assist
CHAPTER 3 APPLYING FOR ADMISSION A. GENERAL POLICY This chapter describes the policies and procedures for completing an initial application for assistance and placement on the waiting list. The primary
More informationRefugee Council Briefing on the Queen s Speech 2017
Queen s Speech 2017 Refugee Council Briefing on the Queen s Speech 2017 June 2017 About the Refugee Council The Refugee Council is one of the leading organisations in the UK working with people seeking
More informationFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CIVIL LEGAL AID REFORMS
v1.2 12/04/13 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CIVIL LEGAL AID REFORMS Index: I) Eligibility II) Family III) Family Mediation and Help with Family Mediation IV) Immigration V) Housing and Debt VI) Legal and
More informationASYLUM SUPPORT PROVISIONS FOR DESTITUTE ASYLUM SEEKERS AND FAILED ASYLUM SEEKERS
ASYLUM SUPPORT PROVISIONS FOR DESTITUTE ASYLUM SEEKERS AND FAILED ASYLUM SEEKERS General Outline of the Support Provisions No person who has sought asylum in the UK need be destitute whilst awaiting a
More informationExplanatory Notes to Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003
Explanatory Notes to Homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003 2003 Chapter 10 Crown Copyright 2003 Explanatory Notes to Acts of the Scottish Parliament are subject to Crown Copyright protection. They may be
More informationRights of EU nationals after Brexit: concerns, questions and recommendations
Rights of EU nationals after Brexit: concerns, questions and recommendations Introduction Local authorities are responsible for ensuring the general well-being of their communities and residents, and need
More information10 11 April Solihull. Resolutions CD12
10 11 April Solihull Resolutions CD12 Purpose of this document Key information The work of the NUS Women s Campaign is directed by policy passed at Women s Conference. This document contains the resolutions
More informationRefugee Sponsorship. Information Package (Updated June 2016) Adapted from ISANS Refugee Sponsorship Info Package by Stephen Law
Refugee Sponsorship Information Package (Updated June 2016) Adapted from ISANS Refugee Sponsorship Info Package by Stephen Law 1 The Global Refugee Crisis There are currently 65 million people who have
More informationHousing migrants and refugees
Housing migrants and refugees June 2011 Contents Introduction 3 Summary 4 1. Housing, the Law and Migrants 6 1.1 Legal Framework 6 1.2 Regulatory Framework 7 1.3 Ability to Pay 7 1.4 Housing Options 8
More informationNorthern Ireland Executive. February 2011
Northern Ireland Executive Response to: Draft Budget 2011-2015 February 2011 Women s Aid Federation Northern Ireland 129 University Street BELFAST BT7 1HP Tel: 02890 249041 Fax: 02890 239296 General Email:
More informationProposed Amendments to Statutory Instrument: Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2017
Proposed Amendments to Statutory Instrument: Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2017 On 7 September 2018 Rights of Women (ROW) submitted the following concerns and proposed amendments
More informationAnnual Survey The findings
Annual Survey 2015 The findings Women s Aid Annual Survey 2015 Women s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Over the past 40 years Women s Aid has been
More informationSue King: ANGLICARE Director of Advocacy and Research
Sue King: ANGLICARE Director of Advocacy and Research WHO IS AT RISK? Refugees Young single mothers Older single women Low income households REFUGEE HOUSING ISSUES Most refugees have experienced poverty,
More informationHomelessness Reduction Bill
Homelessness Reduction Bill CONTENTS Threatened homelessness 1 Meaning of threatened with homelessness Advisory services 2 Duty to provide advisory services Assessments and plans 3 Duty to assess all eligible
More informationAdult Modern Slavery Protocol FOR Local Authorities
Adult Modern Slavery Protocol FOR Local Authorities The NRM and a local authority s statutory duties to identify and support victims of human trafficking and modern slavery Statutory Duties and Powers
More informationThe Big Picture Painting a vision of the future for women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence. Angela Spinney CHP 2013
The Big Picture Painting a vision of the future for women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence Angela Spinney CHP 2013 Presentation Format Domestic and Family Violence Homelessness
More informationFinal HUD VAWA Rule Issued: October 27, 2010
Final HUD VAWA Rule Issued: October 27, 2010 Background The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was reauthorized in 2005 and included important housing protections for victims of domestic violence. This
More informationF.A.O.: The All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees and the All Party Parliamentary
F.A.O.: The All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration Re: Submission for the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of immigration detention in the UK Dear
More informationUntil there s a home for everyone
Until there s a home for everyone CIH Allocations, Lettings and Homelessness Conference 2015 Workshop B3 Joint working to prevent homelessness and to meet discharge duties Deborah Garvie Senior Policy
More informationNo Recourse to Public Funds: Financial Implications for Local Authorities
No Recourse to Public Funds: Financial Implications for Local Authorities Jonathan Price and Olvia Fellas Contents 1. Introduction...1 2. Summary of key points...2 3. Background to NRPF...2 4. Research
More informationEffective from April 2017
Effective from April 2017 Effective from April 2017 for Internal circulation only Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 4 2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 5 3 THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK 6 3.1 What is an allocation 7 3.2 What is not an
More informationLegal Aid Reform Briefing by Resolution July 2011
Legal Aid Reform Briefing by Resolution July 2011 Timetable The government published its response to its consultation on Legal Aid Reform on 21 June 2011. It can be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice
More informationDepartment of Health consultation on the Care Act 2014
Department of Health consultation on the Care Act 2014 Questions considered: Question 17: Are you content that the eligibility regulations will cover any cases currently provided for by section 21 of the
More informationLaw Centre (NI) Information Briefing March New working arrangements for adult victims of trafficking in Northern Ireland.
Law Centre (NI) Information Briefing March 2013 HUMAN TRAFFICKING New working arrangements for adult victims of trafficking in Northern Ireland. At a glance This briefing summarises and analyses provisions
More informationWork & Pensions Committee: Victims of Modern Slavery Inquiry
Work & Pensions Committee: Victims of Modern Slavery Inquiry About Law Centre (NI) (LCNI) 1. The Law Centre (LCNI) works to promote social justice and provides specialist legal services to advice organisations
More informationVAWA and Other Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Years 13, 14, 15 and 16
VAWA and Other Related Programs Appropriations for Fiscal Years 13, 14, 15 and 16 All numbers are expressed in millions (except as otherwise noted). FY stands for Fiscal Year. Updated: May 2015 Name of
More informationCommunity Fund research Issue 2 Refugees and asylum seekers in London: the impact of Community Fund grants
Community Fund research Issue 2 Refugees and asylum seekers in London: the impact of Community Fund grants The London regional office of the Community Fund has made a significant number of grants to organisations
More informationRefugee and Asylum Seeker Delivery Plan Plain English version
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Delivery Plan 2016-2019 Plain English version Hello! Wales is a great place to live! We have many different people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds. The Welsh Government
More informationSUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING CARE IN SCOTLAND
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING CARE IN SCOTLAND CONSULTATION ON REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE CEASING TO BE LOOKED AFTER BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES 1 Introduction This consultation
More informationThe Children s Society s submission to the Consultation on School Funding Reform: Proposals for a Fairer System 11 October 2011
The Children s Society s submission to the Consultation on School Funding Reform: Proposals for a Fairer System 11 October 2011 Introduction The Children s Society supports nearly 50,000 children and young
More informationUganda online Law Library
S T A T U T O R Y I N S T R U M E N T S 2007 No. 12. THE ADVOCATES (LEGAL AID TO INDIGENT PERSONS) REGULATIONS, 2007. Regulation ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Title and commencement 2. Objectives 3. Application
More informationCRISIS IN UKRAINE Providing a Lifeline for Internally Displaced Jews
JUNE 2016 CRISIS IN UKRAINE Providing a Lifeline for Internally Displaced Jews Prepared for: Greater Miami Jewish Federation REPORT UKRAINE COPING WITH A NEW REALITY More than two years after an armed
More informationPreferences for Admission for Domestic Violence Victims
Dear : On behalf of the undersigned domestic violence, civil rights, and legal aid organizations, we are writing to urge the Housing Authority to adopt policies to ensure that battered and abused women
More informationCroydon Immigration and Asylum Support Service (IASS)
Croydon Immigration and Asylum Support Service (IASS) This guide tells you about the support you can expect to receive from Croydon Council if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Who are we? The
More informationBriefing A review of support for trafficked children
Still at risk Briefing A review of support for trafficked children Briefing Context Increased understanding of the magnitude of child trafficking in the UK, and continued concerns about trafficked children
More informationACCOMMODATION APPLICATION FORM SECTION
ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION FORM SECTION 1 - APPLICANT DETAILS To be completed for both self-referrals and referred clients The four key eligibility criteria are: 1. Applicant must be 'vulnerable', (See
More informationHuman Trafficking in Scotland The Impact on Survivors Bronagh Andrew
Human Trafficking in Scotland The Impact on Survivors Bronagh Andrew Scottish Context Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scot) Bill Human Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy Modern Slavery Act 2015
More informationThe Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspectors of Borders and Immigration s report: An Inspection of the Right to Rent scheme
The Home Office response to the Independent Chief Inspectors of Borders and Immigration s report: An Inspection of the Right to Rent scheme August December 2017 The Home Office thanks the Independent Chief
More informationin partnership, challenging DOMESTIC ABUSE
in partnership, challenging DOMESTIC ABUSE Joint Protocol Between Association Of Chief Police Officers In Scotland (ACPOS) and Crown Office And Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) DOMESTIC ABUSE PURPOSE
More informationMeeting the needs of Somali residents
Meeting the needs of Somali residents Final Report April 2012 James Caspell, Sherihan Hassan and Amina Abdi Business Development Team Tower Hamlets Homes For more information contact: James Caspell 020
More informationReport by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Investigation into complaints against London Borough of Redbridge (reference numbers: 16 013 479 and 16 013 509) 27 September 2017 Local Government
More informationPART I: Legal Rights and Resources Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes in the United States
Page 1 of 7 Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States and Facts about Immigrating on a Marriage-Based Visa Fact Sheet Purpose Immigrants are
More information