News

03 January 2012

New Appointment Puts Welfare Rights Top Of Agenda

Derwentside Homes’ new Welfare Rights Officer, Gregg PeartWith major changes to the benefits system taking place in the next couple of years, one North East housing association has taken steps to ensure its tenants are supported by employing a specialist Welfare Rights Officer.

Derwentside Homes has taken on Gregg Peart ahead of the implementation of the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill, which will see means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age people replaced with one Universal Credit from 2013.

With more than 10 years experience working in Housing Benefits, and a special interest in welfare rights, Gregg is looking forward to helping Derwentside Homes’ tenants navigate the new system and making sure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.

The 29-year-old said: “The Welfare Reform Bill is the biggest shake-up to the benefit system we have seen in a long time and it will have a big impact of many of our tenants.

“My job is to make sure tenants understand how the changes will affect them and to ensure they maximise their income and claim the benefits they are entitled to.”

Gregg had great success in his previous role as a housing benefits and welfare rights officer at Durham County Council.

In the last year alone, he helped residents living in the County claim more than £485,000 in benefits, and his success rate during benefit appeals was 63%, compared to a national average of around 40%.

His first job at Derwentside Homes will be to set up a referral system, whereby staff will be trained to recognise tenants who may benefit from Gregg’s advice and support.

He also plans to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the coming changes, focusing particularly on Derwentside Homes’ older tenants, living in the association’s sheltered courts.

Gregg, of Dipton, County Durham, said: “Two of the biggest changes are to the Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit, so I will be focusing on those issues at first.

“I’ll also be organising staff briefings to make sure everyone is aware of how the changes will effect tenants and how we can work together to improve their financial situation.

“For example, tenants with spare rooms may have some of their benefit cut in future, so we will be looking at whether it would be beneficial for some tenants to move into smaller properties, although this will be subject to availability.”

Derwentside Homes’ chief executive Geraldine Wilcox said: “We know the Welfare Reform Bill will have a big impact on our tenants and Gregg’s appointment is part of our strategy to support tenants through the changes ahead.”


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