Concerns have been raised about changes to the benefits system that will affect thousands of people living in Reading.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently undergoing a reform of the benefits system, which will see six ‘legacy benefits’ incorporated into Universal Credit through a ‘managed migration process’ – housing benefits, income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), child tax credits (CTC), working tax credits (WTC) and income support.
These are due to be rolled into Universal Credit.
The issue was brought up at a full Reading Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, October 17.
In a question, member of the public Richard Tredgett said: “Could the council please let us know what information and support will be available to the approximately 4,000 households currently receiving legacy benefits and tax credits during the first stage of the upcoming managed migration to Universal Credit, when people living in the Reading Job Centre area receive their Migration Notices from the DWP?”
Mr Tredgett also asked whether the council website, which includes a benefit calculator would be updated so that residents can be aware of their full entitlement to Universal Credit.
The question was answered by Cllr Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), lead councillor for corporate services and resources and deputy council leader.
She said: “Since April 2023, more Tax Credit only claimants are being asked to claim Universal Credit in order to continue to receive the benefit they are entitled to.
“On September 15, a letter was sent to the chief executive informing the council will begin to issue Migration Notice to Tax Credit only claimants in this area.
“We have identified 610 cases with Tax Credits that will be subject to the first stage of managed migration.”
Cllr Terry then advised claimants and those eligible to visit both the DWP website and the council’s benefits webpage.
She clarified that council tax support will continue with no need to make a new claim.
Also, claimants may have a while to wait for legacy benefits to be incorporated into Universal Credit in what is set to be a long drawn-out process.
Cllr Terry said: “We will support any communications issued by the DWP and push out through our own channels as required.
“At this time, we have not received information from the DWP to advise when other legacy benefit types begin the managed migration process. It is however anticipated that the managed migration will be completed by 2029.”
