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What does the Scotland Act 2016 mean for Social Housing?. Karen Wright, Policy Advisor SFHA. The Scotland Act 2016 – What is it?. Social Security. Universal Credit flexibilities
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What does the Scotland Act 2016 mean for Social Housing? Karen Wright, Policy Advisor SFHA
SocialSecurity • Universal Credit flexibilities • To legislate for disability benefits, carers’ benefits as well as the current regulated Social Fund (inc. Discretionary Housing Payments, Winter Fuel Payments and Payments for Cold Weather). • New benefits and top-up benefits • Work Programme and Work Choice
Energy and Fuel Poverty • Schemes for reducing fuel poverty: SG to design and implement supplier obligations in relation to energy efficiency and fuel poverty • ECO: SM can design and implement ECO to reduce carbon emissions and home-heating costs • (BOTH under the targets set by the SoS) • SM will be consulted regarding renewable electricity incentive schemes
Tax Powers • Income Tax (non-savings or non-dividend income) • A share of VAT receipts in Scotland will go to SG
What are the Opportunities and Risks of the Scotland Act (in relation to housing)
UC Flexibilities • RISKS • System risks: expense and ability • UK Government could delay the implementation of the changes OPPORTUNITIES • Direct payments, abolish the ‘bedroom tax’, more frequent payments, split payments • Improved health and wellbeing for tenants • Maximise receipt of rent payments
Social Security outside of UC New benefits, Top-Ups and benefits for carers, disabled people and those who are ill, Regulated Social Fund (inc. WFP & PCW) and DHPs • RISKS • Funding • New schemes can be confusing or unsuccessful • SG is required to engage with the UK Gov to create new social security benefits OPPORTUNITIES • New benefits / topped-up benefits /reformed benefits • Alleviate poverty and improve health and wellbeing of tenants • Improve rent collection
Support for unemployed people OPPORTUNITIES • The SP can reform or replace employment programmes • These can be used to help those furthest from the job market back into work + increase tax receipts • RISKS • Risks to funding • New schemes may be confusing for claimants or unsuccessful
Energy and Fuel Poverty OPPORTUNITIES • SP can create new schemes to alleviate fuel poverty and enable tenants to live in warm, dry, safe homes • SP new role in consulting on renewable energy incentive schemes • RISKS • UK decides the overall targets of fuel poverty and energy efficiency schemes • Consult and consent requirements by SoS • SoS does not always have to consult with SM
Income Tax (non-savings, non-dividend income) OPPORTUNITIES • Redistribution of wealth to reduce inequality • Improve health and wellbeing of tenants • Improve rent collection • RISKS • Behavioural effects • UK Gov is responsible for personal allowance
Any questions? kwright@sfha.co.uk