Housing Sector Experts Join Forces

Published by allpay News for allpay Limited in Bill Payments

London’s largest Housing Associations brought their concerns of the Welfare Reform Bill and the introduction of Universal Credit to the table at a high level seminar with the Department of Working Pensions (DWP) and the National Housing Federation.  

The seminar, hosted by allpay, Family Mosaic and 24housing, included a range of specialist presenters and gave delegates the opportunity to discuss, with the experts, the concerns and worries the reform may pose.

In an exclusive presentation from the DWP, the team explained the background to the changes being made, how they felt it would improve the system and the current road map of development.

Stuart Ropke, from the NHF, discussed pros and cons and looked at some of the most significant challenges the Federation predicts will arise as a result of the reform. 

Family Mosaic’s John Schofield, outlined the social and economic costs that could potentially impact on his organisation as a result of Welfare Reform and the introduction of direct payments under Universal Credit.

allpay’s Head of Prepaid Card Sales, Richard Roberts and Marketing Director Nick Peplow, presented their thoughts on how allpay could provide the right payment solution to help protect landlords’ income.

"allpay is always keen to support its clients and this was a great opportunity to meet with them and understand how we can help overcome the challenges they face.

Through hosting events such as this one, we hope we can deliver products and services that meet the exact needs of clients,“ said Nick Peplow.

The special half day seminar was chaired by Jon Land, editor of leading social housing magazine 24housing.

He commented: "The Forum provided an excellent opportunity for Housing Associations to hear directly from the Department for Work and Pensions about its plans for the roll-out of the Universal Credit system.

It is absolutely vital that social landlords understand the issues surrounding the changes to the way benefits are going to be paid in the future and the day's discussions helped to shed some light.

It was particularly reassuring to hear that the DWP is taking the sector's concerns over making housing payments direct to tenants rather than landlords very seriously. Indeed Department officials seem genuinely keen to engage with RPs on all aspects of Universal Credit.

It was also good to hear that the payments industry is looking at ways to help social landlords protect their income streams and allpay's ideas provided plenty of food for thought and prompted plenty of discussion."

The August issue of 24housing will include a feature on the event. To subscribe just email subscriptions@24housing.co.uk or call 0844 557 8314.