Agenda item

Representatives from CAN and Shelter will be present at the meeting to provide an update.

The Panel received an update on Advice Services.  Michael Deakin from Shelter gave a presentation (as attached) which provided an overview of the services provided and compared information and data from year one to year two.

The Chairman thanked Michael Deakin for his presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel as summarised below.

Councillor Mrs Spikings commented that there was another side to this in that the businesses and landlords which had to hold debts could be affected.  She explained that it was all too easy to borrow money and get in debt, but little consideration was given to the effect on landlords and businesses.  Michael Deakin commented that the only way to tackle this was to change the banking system so that there were more checks in place and interest rates were capped.  He explained that Shelter did help landlords where possible by advising them to take insurance against rent arrears so that they were protected.

Councillor Mrs Fraser commented that she appreciated the work carried out by Shelter and asked if it was instilled in the individual that they needed to take responsibility for their actions when Debt Relief Orders were put in place.  Michael Deakin explained that Debt Relief Orders were on a twelve month moratorium so the individual could not borrow any more money during that period.  The Debt Relief Order would also be put on their credit rating for six years.

In response to a question from Councillor Bubb it was explained that a Debt Relief Order froze the debt and after twelve months it could be written off.  The debt would be passed onto the creditor.  Councillor Mrs Fraser commented that this could have an impact on small companies, landlords, interest rates and also funds which were invested in other customer’s savings and pensions.

Councillor Mrs Westrop asked if the introduction of Universal Credit would impact the use of the service.  Michael Deakin explained that he did not have data for this area at the moment, but in other areas it had increased rent arrears and the use of food banks.

Members were informed that a briefing on Universal Credit would be provided to Members in advance of the Full Council meeting on 18^th October 2018.

The Vice Chairman, Councillor Bambridge referred to people not showing up for appointments.  Michael Deakin explained that initial advice was offered over the phone and individuals were encouraged to contact their creditors to say that they were in the process of getting debt advice and put their account on hold.  Shelter would then provide assistance and an individual budgeting statement.  Michael Deakin commented that text reminders were sent out the day before the appointment, but there were still some people that did not attend.

The Chairman invited Jon Clemo from Community Action Norfolk to update the Panel.  A copy of his presentation is attached.  Jon Clemo reminded the Panel that Community Action Norfolk held the Housing Advice Contract.

The Chairman thanked Jon Clemo for his presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Mrs Westrop commented that the Police and Crime Commissioner was currently looking at support to women offenders leaving prison and Jon Clemo agreed to investigate.

RESOLVED: (i) The update reports were noted.

(ii) A further update be provided in twelve months’ time.