Norfolk Constabulary Welfare Reform – T/ACC Nick DEAN Date: 13 th June Repercussion of welfare reform for Criminal Justice and Anti- Social Behaviour in Norfolk

Summary of Main Changes 1. Housing Benefit and about the size criteria (bedroom tax) Reduced rates for tenants of private. landlords, new rules about spare rooms for council and housing association tenants. 2. Council Tax Benefit changing to Council Tax Support Scheme Abolished and replaced with a Local Council Tax Support Scheme. 3. Disability Living Allowance (working age) changing to Personal Independence Payment Replaced by Personal Independence Payment for people aged The Social Fund Scheme changing to Discretionary Crisis Fund The Community Care Grant and Crisis Loan elements of the Social Fund will cease from 1 April The Discretionary Crisis Fund is a fund of last resort to help people who are in a crisis. 5. Introduction of a Benefit Cap Limits the overall amount of benefit households will receive. 6. Introduction of Universal Credit Replaces lots of other benefits that a household receives and instead households will get one benefit paid monthly. 2

Repercussion of welfare reform for criminal justice and ASB in Norfolk “Whilst there may be a widely accepted correlation between deprivation and crime this does not necessarily imply causation”. Potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour  Acquisitive crime: Shoplifting, Theft, Dwelling Burglary, Burglary other than Dwelling, Robbery  Prostitution  Begging  Assault and drinking offences  Domestic Abuse 3

Repercussion of welfare reform for criminal justice and ASB in Norfolk Potential increase in Hate Crime and Community tension 4  With the focus on welfare changes, various opinions, both social and political, expressed in or by the media can create a negative view of those that access benefits

Repercussion of welfare reform for criminal justice and ASB in Norfolk Bigger demand for houses in multiple occupation 5  Houses of Multiple Occupation licensed/ unlicensed HMOs and associated policing challenges

Repercussion of welfare reform for criminal justice and ASB in Norfolk Potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour Potential increase in Hate Crime and Community tension Bigger demand for houses in multiple occupation 6

Thank you 7