1. Benefit Reforms: Impact and Opportunities
Paul Martin
Chief Executive
Wandsworth Council
January 2012

2. Why change is needed - London Jobs vs Employment Rate

3. Some downside risks
Councils have generally been efficient administrators of council tax and housing benefit
Our current role connects us to our communities on a face-to-face basis
Benefit administration has provided jobs at a local level throughout the country
Councils have taken the risks of fraud seriously, and have rigorous audit arrangements.

4. Upside opportunities
Helping people get into work, and work more hours, is a role for which councils are well suited
Good councils know their local workforce, colleges, training institutions and employers
Government policy places councils at the heart of the Troubled Families agenda
We could be enablers of both the Work Programme and Universal Credit
Local political leadership in this area can make an amazing difference

5. Issues to be resolved
The phased introduction of Universal Credit - how will this work?
Universal Credit is “digital by default” - how many people will require face-to-face support?
How can family recovery interventions really integrate with the Work Programme/Universal Credit?