1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July...

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1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems: the challenges and lessons learned The DWP role and priorities for action

Transcript of 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July...

Page 1: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

1 Department for Work and Pensions

Graham MowatHead of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness

31st July 2013

Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems: the challenges and lessons learned

The DWP role and priorities for action

Page 2: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

2 Department for Work and Pensions

Contents

1. Welfare Reform

2. Universal Credit

– Financial Products, Budgeting Support (Money Advice) & Alternative Payment Arrangements

– Learning from DPDP & the LA Led Pilots– Local Support Services Framework

3. Social Justice – definitions and priorities

– Problem Indebtedness as an SJ priority– Legal High Cost Credit – Alternatives - Credit Unions– Illegal Money Lending

Page 3: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Overview (1) The Reform Story

“A system that was originally designed to support the poorest in

society is now trapping them

in the very condition it was

supposed to alleviate”

Iain Duncan-Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

• The Welfare Reform Act introduces the most fundamental reforms to the social security system for 60 years. It aims for a simpler, fairer benefits system and to ensure work pays.

• Money needs to be targeted more effectively; we have to ensure that support continues to be available to those who need it most. Employment must be an aspiration for everyone who is able to work.

• Our services need to change to reflect the diversity and complexity of the issues that many people in society face today, requiring more joined-up working across government and beyond.

Page 4: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Overview (2) The Reform Story

• We are introducing greater fairness to the welfare and pensions systems by making work pay and reinvigorating incentives to save for retirement, whilst protecting the most vulnerable – disabled people and pensioners.

• The nation’s finances also need to be put on a more sustainable footing – while this means making difficult decisions on tax and spending, we believe it is possible to do this and help people lift themselves out of poverty, and stay out of poverty, through work and saving backed by the right support and encouragement.

• Our Reforms will:

- ensure people are always better off in work than on benefits

- provide unconditional support for disabled people that need it

- prepare the long term unemployed for the world of work

- ensure people receive a fairer pension and are encouraged to save for retirement

- support separating families.

Page 5: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Welfare Reform and Universal Credit

A policy

A benefit

A gateway

A platform

An ambition

that tackles welfare dependency, poverty and worklessness by making work pay

that replaces a complex system of working-age (in/out work benefits and credits) with the Universal Credit and a single set of rules

that together with our employment support programmes, helps people into work

largely self service; internet-age and digital - whilst continuing face-to-face support for those who need it

transforming lives and society through work

Page 6: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

REQUIREMENT FOR A PERSONAL BUDGETING

STRATEGY IS DRIVEN BY THESE CHANGES

Context - Claimant Preparation

Housing costs direct to tenant

Single payment to household

Monthly Payment

We want to help people to be able to manage their own finances successfully, whether they arein or out of work

Page 7: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Alternative Payment

Arrangements

Moneyadvice

Financial Products

Claimants managing their

money

Universal Credit Personal Budgeting Support – Overview

Page 8: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Alternative Payment Arrangements

• For a minority of claimants, alternative payment arrangements may be required; these might include –paying the rent directly to the landlord, from the outset–making more frequent than monthly payments –splitting the payment within the household

• We will also have the option to make rent payments direct to the landlord if a claimant reaches a certain level of rent arrears.

• Tier 1 and Tier 2 factors indicating potential support needs will be used

• Information from a third party i.e. the claimants’ representative, their caseworker and / or their landlord can be used to inform a decision.

• The decision about whether an alternative payment arrangement is suitable will be made by a UC adviser.

Page 9: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Alternative Payment Arrangements – consideration factors

Tier One factors – Highly likely / probable need for alternative payment arrangements

• Drug / alcohol and / or other addiction problems e.g. gambling • Learning difficulties including problems with literacy and/or numeracy• Severe / multiple debt problems • In Temporary and / or Supported accommodation• Homeless • Domestic violence / abuse• Mental Health Condition• Currently in rent arrears / threat of eviction / repossession• Claimant is young either a 16/17 year old and / or a Care leaver• Families with multiple and complex needs

Page 10: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Alternative Payment Arrangements – consideration factors

Tier Two factors - Less likely / possible need for alternative payment arrangements

• No bank account • Third party deductions in place (e.g. for fines, utility arrears etc)• Claimant is a Refugees / asylum seeker• History of rent arrears• Previously homeless and / or in supported accommodation• Other disability (e.g. physical disability, sensory impairment etc)• Claimant has just left prison• Claimant has just left hospital• Recently bereaved• Language skills (e.g. English not spoken as the ‘first language’).• Ex Service personnel• NEETs - Not in Education, Employment or Training

Page 11: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Money advice

• Money advice will include:–Online budgeting tools for claimants who can help themselves - such

as those offered by Money Advice Service and Citizens Advice.–Advice services offered by external organisations for those who need

more support with, for example, getting a bank account or doing a monthly budget plan.

• Advice will be delivered through online, telephone and face-to-face channels by expert providers at a national and local level through the Local Support Services framwork.

• A personal planner is available on gov.uk to help claimants understand and prepare for financial changes arising from the introduction of Universal Credit. It asks claimants a set of questions about their readiness for claiming Universal Credit and, depending on the answers given, sets out an individual action plan.

Page 12: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

PBS initial filter

APA data gather

Agrees Claimant

Commitment

PBS filter 2

PBS filter1

PBS provision

UC claim continues

Signpost to MAS

Yes to any

No to all

APA decision& review set

Implement APA

PE

No PBS action

No PE

UC paid

Refer to PBS provider where appropriate

Notify APA decision

To quickly filter out those who

need no support or can self serve

To identify those most likely to

need APA

To confirm money advice is needed

ClaimsUC

Completing the APA data gather

Glossary:• APA – alternative payment arrangement• MAS – Money Advice Service• PBS – personal budgeting support• UC – Universal Credit

PBS initial filter

APA data gather

Agrees Claimant

Commitment

PBS filter 2

PBS filter1

PBS provision

UC claim continues

Signpost to MAS

Yes to any

No to all

APA decision& review set

Implement APA

PE

No PBS action

No PE

UC paid

Refer to PBS provider where appropriate

Notify APA decision

To quickly filter out those who

need no support or can self serve

To identify those most likely to

need APA

To confirm money advice is needed

ClaimsUC

Completing the APA data gather

Glossary:• APA – alternative payment arrangement• MAS – Money Advice Service• PBS – personal budgeting support• UC – Universal Credit

The PBS High Level Design (Pathfinder)

Page 13: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Suitable Financial Products

• 75% of people are paid earnings monthly in arrears. Monthly payment of benefit will prepare households for the reality of budgeting on a monthly income, will ease the transition into work

• The majority of Universal Credit claimants will continue to be paid through mainstream current or basic accounts as they are today.

• Up to 1.3 million potential UC claimants currently do not use a transactional bank account to manage their benefit payments. Most of these individuals currently use a Post Office Card account (POCa) which does not offer transactional facilities.

• We are looking at ways to make accounts with budgeting functionality, such as ‘jam jar’ accounts, more widely available. We are consulting with financial providers across the private, social and third sectors and considering the best ways to make these types of products more available.

• Having access to a transactional account will enable claimants to make electronic payments out of the account – such as Direct Debits or standing orders – for bills such as rent, gas and electricity.

Page 14: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Why are people ‘unbanked’?

• cash is simple and trustworthyMany people on lower incomes prefer to use cash as it helps them to feel more in control of their money.

• legacy benefit payments haven’t necessitated a bank accountIf you receive fortnightly payments and your rent is paid direct to your landlord you might not feel theneed for bank account. Most employers require you to have a bank account details but for some peoplewho are further from the labour market this isn’t an immediate problem.

• some people don’t like direct debitsMany people choose not to use direct debits as they prefer to have control over their payments. They are often concerned that benefits payments might be late causing them to incur penalty charges on failed direct debits.

• you might be concerned about penalty chargesPenalty charges can have a disproportionately punitive affect on those with lower incomes. Individuals who do incur charges tend to be charged multiple times, averaging 5.6 times p.a.

• you might have a dormant account elsewhere70% of POCa users have an account elsewhere. Some people choose not to have benefits paid into their account due to outstanding debts (such as an overdraft).

• you might not have the right IDSome banks ask for photographic ID to open an account which many people do not have.

• some banks don’t market their basic accountsBasic bank accounts (without overdrafts or credit) are not always advertised in branch.

Page 15: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Payments: What are the options?

Basic Bank Accounts

• Basic bank accounts limit the risks of penalty charges and overdraft fees.

• All banks have signed a voluntary agreement with the government to offer basic accounts.

• Basic bank accounts are not profitable so some banks do not advertise them accounts or restrict eligibility.

• Basic accounts do not fully protect from penalty charges or debt.

• We are working with HMT to improve basic bank account services.

Credit Unions

• Credit unions are local mutual finance organisations.

• DWP have invested £38m into the expansion and modernisation of services

• some credit unions already offer a “current account”

• a small number of unions provide “jam-jar” facilities

• We are working with CUEP to make sure more credit unions can support UC claimants.

Current Accounts

• Most claimants will be continue to be paid into a bank or building society account.

• It will remain as the best option for the majority of UC claimants as it provides access to a wide range of financial services including budgeting tools and SMS balance alerts.

POCa

• We can make UC payments into a POCa.

• POCa is not transactional so you can’t set up standing orders or direct debits – you can only withdraw cash.

• POCa contract ends in 2015 (with an option to extend for 2 years.

• For most claimants POCa will not be a suitable method of payment.

Page 16: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Budgeting Accounts

• Can provide additional support through ‘jam jar’ type functionalities.

• There are already some of these accounts on the market but they can be expensive.

• Some credit unions are starting to offer low cost versions.

• We are interested undertaking some trails to consider whether DWP should invest in these services to help our more vulnerable claimants.

E-money Services

• New e-money organisations are offering alternative banking products.

• These include prepaid cards and mobile phone ‘e-wallets’.

• New payment services such as Pingit are changing the market.

• Some of these products already offer full transactional banking services.

Simple Payment

• Simple payment has replaced girocheque payments.

• We issued our final giro last week!

• Funds are issued onto a reusable card which can be taken to any PayPoint outlet to exchange for cash.

• Simple payment is designed to support out most vulnerable claimants who can’t use any other method of payment.

• You must withdraw the entire amount on the card and you can’t set up automated payments so it won’t be suitable for most UC claimants.

Page 17: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Budgeting Accounts

What are these ‘jam jars’ all about????

UC

Basic Account

Wages

rentbills

spending

savings

Direct debits to utilities

Standing order to landlord

ATM/debit card

• Budgeting accounts could help some people manage their money more effectively.

• Budgeting Accounts on the market currently cost between £12 and £19 pcm

• Some credit unions are offering cheaper alternatives

• Some landlords are working with credit unions and meeting the costs of these accounts to protect their rent payments.

Page 18: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

• Six local authorities and housing associations nationwide with a total of around 12,000 working age claimants (representative cross section)

• Projects started in June 2012 and will now run until December 2013 (6 month extension)

• Applying a mix of approaches with a mix of tenants to provide valuable learning about what interventions best help tenants who go into arrears – e.g. different trigger levels, support strategies and a range of payment methods.

Edinburgh

Wakefield

Oxford

Shropshire

Torfaen Southwark

Direct Payment Demonstration Projects

Page 19: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

What have we learnt to date on DPDP…from the data

• Projects are being externally evaluated by Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research (CRESR), from Sheffield Hallam University

• Latest findings from the project have shown that from 6,168 tenants placed onto

direct payment:

• Rent collection rates stood at 94% overall (current sector rate 95–96%)• Across the areas rent collection rates varied from 91% to 97%• 1,258 tenants have been switched back to payments to their landlords as a result

of reaching the arrears trigger point or due to early intervention• This compares to findings over first 4 months showing rent collection rates at

92% overall with 6,220 tenants on direct payment

(http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/direct-payment-demo-figures-may-2013.pdf )

• Key finding: A large number of switchbacks have been due to partial payment of rent or persistent underpayment rather then full non-payment of rent

Page 20: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

How has Project learning influenced UC design?

• DPDP has already been instrumental in changing our thinking regarding the:• possible level of alternative payment arrangements required:• design of the arrears trigger;• the need for funded budgeting support and;• most effective ways of delivering this

• We will continue to capture learning to inform this area of the UC design during the extension period

• We are also putting together “landlord best practice”. This will include identifying the issues landlords should consider in preparing themselves for the introduction for UC

• Have established a link to Local Support Services Framework and will continue to develop this to best inform future design

• Direct Payments has also identified a number of wider issues for UC such as data sharing, communications

Page 21: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Aims and Objectives of project extension

• To test and quantify the impact of the wider Welfare Reform on arrears, Budgeting Support and cultural behaviours

• To test the optimal time and effectiveness of early interventions in the prevention of arrears build up and switchback activity

• Develop best practice guidance for Landlords relating to the organisational and process changes in readiness for UC

• To test and improve the ‘managed payment’ alternative payment process including analysis of volumes and cost

• Test various types of Budgeting Support and Financial Products to understand which best help claimants manage their money and pay their rent

• Utilise the Project Team’s position as Direct Payment subject matter experts to share/ raise design and process learning with key stakeholders

Page 22: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Background and context for the LSS

• Follows Ministerial request to ensure that claimants with complex needs will not be prevented from accessing and using welfare services (as per the legislation).

• Based on extensive research into claimant needs and services required to meet those needs, including day visits to over 120 LAs and extensive engagement with the Housing and Voluntary sectors.

• Written by a task force which includes LA Association reps from England, Scotland and Wales, and co-signed by Sir Merrick Cockell

• Published on the 11th February on DWPs website – Google “UC local support services framework”

Page 23: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Who do we think may require LSS services?

• Claimants with mental health issues• Claimants with learning difficulties• People with literacy/numeracy difficulties• People with addiction problems (drugs/alcohol/gambling)• Homeless people• People with English language limitations• Prison leavers• Entitled 16/17 year olds• Non EEA citizens – including refugees• People with physical and/or sensory disabilities• Domestic Violence victims• People with Financial Inclusion or severe debt issues• Care leavers• Multi Agency Public Protections Agreement (MAPPA) restricted claimants• Geographically isolated people• Those under the supervision of the Troubled Families Initiative

Page 24: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

What services will be provided – Existing

• Intermediary support

• Home visits

• Evidence verification (by LAs and RSLs as well as DWP)

• Processing exceptions to normal payment rules (e.g. LHA payments to landlords)

• Support around housing choices (and homelessness prevention)

• Urgent support for resolving an issue with a claim (e.g. DWP AJCS service)

Page 25: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

• Triage and Orientation

• Online Access

• Financial Inclusion and Budgeting/debt advice

What services will be provided – New

Page 26: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

How services will be provided:The Delivery Partnerships Approach

Under the Delivery Partnerships Approach existing local planning forums, usually LA led, will be developed into Local Delivery Groups for UC local claimant support services.

These must include DWP and Local Authority representatives but should also include other service providers. They should have the flexibility to plan support services and engage different suppliers according to local circumstances.

Page 27: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Local Delivery Groups

Local Authority

CommunityReps

Welfare Rights

DWPDistrict/Partnership

Managers

Digital Charities

Adult Social Care

LA Services (e.g. libraries)

Ex-offenderServices

Disability charities

Adult Education

Social Landlords Homelessness

orgs

The real purpose of the Partnerships approach is joined up “single claimant journey” for claimants with complex needs, from benefits dependency to independence and, where appropriate, work

DWP Partner

DWP Partner

DWP Partner

DWP Partner

LAPartner

LAPartner

LAPartner

LAPartner

Page 28: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Progressing the LSS Work: Governance

LSS Housing & VCS Reference Group

Contingency Delivery Options

Working Group

LSS Finance sub-group(includes LAA and Individual LA reps)

LSS Implementation sub-group

(includes LAA reps)

Volumetrics Working Group

LA Fin & CommWorking Group

LSS LA Reference Group

LSS Operations Reference GroupLSS Taskforce

(includes LA Reps.)

Page 29: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Implementing the LSS: DWP District Managers and LAs have been asked to…

1) Identify appropriate planning forums already in place within their respective local area, review membership and ensure both DWP and LA representation.

2) Ensure that these forums can fulfil the requirements of UC delivery groups, by making sure that they have the capability and requisite skills to plan and arrange delivery of local support services for UC claimants. They should address any gaps

3) Think about who will deliver which specific support services to claimants with a view to preparing a delivery partnership agreement (once more is known about funding).

Page 30: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

UC Rollout and LSS

• On the 10th July Lord Freud announced rollout to a further six sites– Hammersmith, Rugby, Inverness, Harrogate, Bath and Shotton

• Some possibilities for the LSS from October include – Test some of the detailed instruments that will be required to finance the LSS

and contract suppliers under the Partnerships Approach.– Test key LSS principles and deliverables, like new MI that may be required.– To continue to work with the Pilot LAs and other LAs who have chosen to

implement the LSS approach ahead of wider rollout.

• We are also continuing to pursue the implementation steps mentioned earlier– Promoting closer working between DWP and LAs across GB– Local mapping and gap analysis of services available to support UC

claimants.

Page 31: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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What is Social Justice?

Social justice is about giving individuals and families facing multiple disadvantages the support and tools they need to turn their lives around

Page 32: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Social Justice Strategy: Principles

A new set of principles that inform our approach:

1. A focus on prevention and early intervention

2. Where problems do arise, a focus on recovery as the primary aim

3. Promoting work as the most sustainable route out of poverty

4. Encouraging innovation in the commissioning, funding and delivery of services

5. Recognising the role of local Government, the voluntary and community sector and grassroots delivery in offering the most targeted support

6. Empowering people and communities to take a greater responsibility for the services they use

7. Ensuring that interventions provide a fair deal for the taxpayer

Page 33: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Challenges

• Social Investment - unlocking private and philanthropic capital to help deliver better outcomes

• Localism - tailoring local solutions to local needs

• Early Intervention - shifting the debate from treating symptoms to tackling root causes

• Supporting the VCS - enabling all organisations – both for-profit and not-for-profit – to play a role, irrespective of size

Page 34: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Financial Exclusion & Social Justice

• Financial exclusion impacts social justice – people cannot access mainstream financial products e.g. bank accounts, credit, loans, online discounts

• Poverty Premium – higher cost for goods and services e.g. utility bills

• Barrier to work:

- Distractions from health-related anxiety and harassment from creditors

- Cannot afford travel for interviews/training

- Poor credit record can effect some job opportunities e.g. retail, finance

- Disincentive to work due to impact on debt repayment plans

• Social and financial costs for communities – driver of poverty, ill health, increases crime

Page 35: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Over- indebtedness: What we know

• Those on low incomes are at greatest risk of problem debt 1

• Over-indebtedness in low income households is most often a result of inadequate (e.g. due to insecure/low paid jobs, lack of savings) rather than excessive consumption 2

• Those whose incomes are persistently low or fluctuating – whether in or out of work – are likely to fall further into debt in order to meet day-to-day expenses:

– by using sources of credit with higher charges– through lack access to mainstream credit

• Triggers of over-indebtedness: life shocks, large unexpected expenditure shocks, onset of ill health2. Over-indebtedness can sometimes be associated with dynamics of family functioning: financial issues can be one of the sources of strain for couple relationships3.

• There is a strong link between over-indebtedness and mental ill-health2

• Sustained work is likely to be key to avoiding problems with indebtedness

• But there is also evidence that over-indebtedness can be a barrier to work4

• Evidence that problem debt can be as a result of relatively small debts spiralling Source:

1. JRF (2012). Poverty: the role of institutions, behaviours and culture. 2. JRF (2010). Credit and debt in low-income families. 3. E.g. DfE (2010).Relationships Matter: Understanding the Needs of Adults (Particularly Parents) Regarding Relationship Support . RR 233.4. Manchester City Council (2010). A study of financial inclusion and worklessness in Manchester: how to improve support for people with money problems to obtain and sustain

employment.

Page 36: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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The “poverty premium”

100 minutes + 100 texts£10 pay monthly£28 pay as you go

Hotpoint washing machine£309 online£536 A high street “store” offering weekly payments(£3.44 p/w)

Average electricity per month(based on 3300kWh p/a)£64 monthly direct debit£104 top-up card

The poverty premium means that people who don’t have a bank account or access to reasonably priced credit end up paying more for goods and services.

Page 37: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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DWP is working in partnership with the Money Advice Service to provide people with appropriate budgeting and debt advice at key points in their lives when they may experience financial shocks.

People who contact DWP to claim a benefit as a result of these life events will be given information about where to go to access help with money to adjust to their new circumstances and avoid or deal with debt.

ShocksRelationship breakdown

Redundancy

Having a baby

Bereavement

Falling ill

Becoming disabled

Becoming a carer

Retirement Moving house

Financial Inclusion - tackling Over-indebtedness

Page 38: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Immediate priorities

• Segmentation: we are working with Social Justice analysts to better understand how debt affects those facing multiple disadvantage.

• Agreed cross-Government debt narrative: the cross-Government group on debt and financial inclusion is working on a debt narrative.

• Media campaign: we are currently working with the Money Advice Service to ensure that any cross-Government media work we undertake aligns with their communications plans.

• Joined-up messaging at local level: this involves looking at how local Government services (for example GPs) can signpost people to debt and money management advice.

• Work to tackle the poverty premium: Social Justice analysts are developing a research proposal on understanding the poverty premium.

• Undertaking work in the Social Justice team and Child Poverty Unit to raise awareness of the role debt plays in driving disadvantage and dis-incentivising work.

Page 39: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Debt “narrative”

• These principles underpin an approach to indebtedness which is structured around three pillars:

1. Raising awareness

2. Debt prevention

3. Signposting to support

• The Government encourages households to be responsible for their financial decisions. It believes that in order to make these decisions consumers must have a choice of products and be afforded appropriate protections. People should also have access to support to help them make budgeting and money management decisions.

• Government believes savings can help households to build financial resilience and weather income shocks. However it also believes that people should be free to borrow and have the tools to make an informed decision about which credit products are right for them.

• When people find themselves in difficulty – for example being unable to service their debts – Government provides help, advice and support.

Page 40: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Indebtedness – control v level of debt (1)

Extent of Debt

Degree of Control

High Low

Low

Key target group

May realise they have a problem or not

May be ignoring, hoping for best, living “day to day”

May be improving, static or getting worse

Secondary Target Group

May be at early stages of having a problem

May be recently affected by life event

Coping with initial shock but without control they may be prone to moving into a problem category

High

Secondary target group

Have realise they have a problem and are doing something about it

Situation may be improving or static

They will have low resilience for future income “shocks”

Lower priority

May still need support to stabilise and build up a degree of financial resilience

Could be role models for others – show what is possible

Case Studies – what was their “journey”

Page 41: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

Indebtedness – control v level of debt (2)Universal Credit implications

Extent of Debt

Degree of Control

High Low

Low

Likely to require an APA (Managed Payment to Landlord at outset

Likely also to need the Frequency APA as well

Will definitely need support initially focussed on motivation, attitude and behaviour

Focus on increasing control and ownership of situation

Coping with initial shock but without control they may be prone to moving into a problem category

The standard monthly payment will present additional temptation

Support will be required – attitudinal as well as capability

May also benefit from a budgeting account

High

Less likely to require an APA (Managed Payment to Landlord at outset

Less likely also to need the Frequency APA as well

Support needs will be in relation to capability, tools and products, hints and tips

Should be able to manage the standard monthly payment

May need some limited support to help with transition

Page 42: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

42 Department for Work and Pensions

Legal High Cost Credit

• Bristol University report for BIS• Cross Government action in train• OFT already progressing compliance issues • Useful recent debate in Lords • BIS-led summit with Payday lenders – 1st July• Archbishop of Canterbury’s mission• Reference of payday lending industry to the Competition

Commission

Page 43: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

43 Department for Work and Pensions

• Before 2006 – Limited involvement between DWP and CUs

• After 2006- Significant involvement and significant progress• £113m of funding between 2006 and 2012• DWP contracted with over 150 CUs to deliver financial services

including affordable credit• 610k loans made worth over £275m, saved £245m in interest • 40% borrowers also began to save

• 2012- Feasibility Study identified challenges and opportunities for the CU sector

Alternatives to high cost credit - Credit Unions

Page 44: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

44 Department for Work and Pensions

DWP Credit Union Expansion Project

• Following a tender exercise, a contract has been awarded to the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd (ABCUL) to deliver the expansion project.

• The Feasibility Study also showed that at present even the best credit unions struggle to meet the operating costs of making small loans to people on lower incomes.

• It suggests that an increase in the interest rate that credit unions charge from 2 per to 3 per cent would make a positive contribution towards credit unions achieving self sufficiency and reach a wider range of customers.

• HMT consultation on the increase ran until March 2013. The Government are currently considering the responses.

Page 45: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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DWP Credit Union Expansion Project - Objectives

• Enable credit unions joining the Project to reduce costs and become financially sustainable by 2015

• Eliminate the need for further Government funding of credit unions after March 2015

• Increase access to financial services to 500,000 more people on lower incomes by March 2015

• Increase access to financial services to 1 million more people on low incomes by March 2019

• Save low income consumers £1 billion in loan interest payments by March 2019

Page 46: 1 Department for Work and Pensions Graham Mowat Head of Budgeting Support & Indebtedness 31 st July 2013 Supporting claimants with budgeting and debt problems:

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Conclusions

• Welfare Reform and greater financial inclusion bring risks as well as benefits

• We cannot empower people without taking risks• We need to manage the risks well at macro (organisational) and

a micro (claimants) levels and move at a pace that can be accommodated and sustained and we are endeavouring to do that

• For this to succeed we need to work in partnership with a wide and diverse range of organisations

• We are drawing together our work on UC and Indebtedness to maximise the synergy that exists

• We have done a lot of engagement already but this is only the start of what will be a very challenging journey