Director General Neil Couling answers questions on Universal Credit APA Scheme

Director General Neil Couling answers questions on Universal Credit APA Scheme

9:33 AM, 20th June 2017, About 7 years ago 1

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A few weeks ago Bill Irvine wrote to Director General Neil Couling requesting answers on Universal Credit APA Scheme. See Article >>

An open letter to DWP Neil Couling regarding Universal Credit

An open letter to DWP Neil Couling regarding Universal Credit

15/05/2017

Many landlords are experiencing issues with Universal Credit. The communication is poor, landlords are putting in APAs, but unable to communicate with DWP to find out the process of the APA. As a result many landlords have tenants with high rent arrears – the system needs changing as landlords seem to be punished for providing… Read more

After weeks  of waiting for a response Neil Couling has finally responded to Bills comments.

Please Click Here to download letter of response from Neil Couling

In Neil’s response it appears that he fails to address many  of the points raised by Bill and acknowledge the issues raised. Interestingly, the House of Commons library produced a report this week, “Housing Costs in Universal Credit” – http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN06547#fullreport  referring the rent arrears increasing under Universal Credit.

The topic on communication was addressed briefly and advised that landlords should visit the DWP Frequently asked questions under Universal Credit.

In my opinion there still needs to be more done to on the whole process on APA and current reports and findings should be taken into account.


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Comments

Mick Roberts

8:01 AM, 21st June 2017, About 7 years ago

He han't got a clue.

Why don't he just wake up and give us an email?
He'll be having horse & cart delivery next for post 'cause he thinks it's safer.

They aren't abiding whatsoever by the permission letters & just ignoring Landlords phone calls full stop.
They say we need to be next to the tenant on the phone call. Yeah right we've got time to sit there while queuing on phone.
And I did do this once & UC still wun't talk to me.

And they suspend the whole payment while looking at APA? WOW!!! So the tenant can't eat as well as not pay the rent?
Are DWP UC NUTS?

And is he then saying if not got enough info in time, he will pay tenant the RENT AGAIN? Even if 8 weeks arrears prior to this? Just cause they don't think they don't have all info?
Why not suspend the rent part?

They will look back in 5 years & say 'Remember when we used to carry on paying the tenant the rent even though they hadn't paid Landlord? What pillocks we was.'

This was the same with LHA in 2008 & 5 years later, HB knew they was fools by previously keep wanting to pay the tenant the rent that was already in arrears. A lot of HB staff will freely admit that today.

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