The ongoing Welfare Reform programme represents the biggest shake up of the social security system in Northern Ireland, since the creation of the welfare state.

The introduction of Universal Credit (UC) can be seen as one of the key changes of this programme. From a housing perspective its implementation has significantly impacted on how people renting privately access and maintain their homes.  It also has affected how private landlords and letting agents manage their tenancies.

This session will concentrate solely on the impact the implementation of UC has had on the private rented sector (PRS).

This session will cover:

• Issues surrounding making a claim and payments of housing cost element of UC for private tenants
• Differences between the housing cost element of UC and housing benefit
• Changes to Local Housing Allowance
• Rates assistance for Private Tenants
• Assisting private tenants in financial difficulty
• Wider impacts of Welfare Reform for the PRS
• By the end of the session you will have a better understanding of the impacts of UC on the PRS. You will be able to advise both tenants and landlords and work to ensure tenancies are sustained.

Who should attend?

• New and experienced advisers involved in Welfare Reform and the impact these changes will have on the current benefits system and people’s ability to pay for their accommodation
• Constituency office workers
• Community/residents groups
• Hostel workers/support workers
• Solicitors
• Letting Agents and landlords