Page 2 - For Attaching Final Edit A3 Vol. 4 Issue 1 | July 2019

Your Advice Team Your Engagement Team

Neil Gray joins the Housing Information, Advice and Left to right:- Elspeth Lloyd, Janet Macalister, Gavin
Advocacy Team alongside Jill McNaught, Leica Malkin Kennedy, Fallon Heggie, Amy Wallace, and Suzie
and Suzanne Slavin McIlloney.

First Home - Care Experienced Young People Pilot

The Centre secured funding for 1 year to deliver a First Home Care Experienced Pilot
which was launched on 1st November 2018.

The Centre is committed to developing innovative ways to provide information on
housing, housing options, realities of moving out, costs involved and future aspirations
to enable best possible outcomes, chances and opportunities to our Young People.

We are working with Partners and Young People to develop the Pilot and below is
feedback on the service so far:

“My overall experience with First Home has been brilliant, they’ve helped me with so
much. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”
Care Experienced Team: -
“The service provided in the pilot has been invaluable to care experienced young Suzie Mcilloney, Engagement Services
people and provides much needed support that other agencies cannot provide. The Manager and Gavin Kennedy, First Home
Officer
information and advice given allows the young person to gain a better understanding
of what is involved/required when they gain their own tenancy. This preparation will
help them to move into a tenancy and to sustain it.”

Universal Credit & Welfare Reform

February 2019 marked the 12 month anniversary of full service roll out of Universal Credit in South Ayrshire.

There have been significant changes to the single benefit since it’s inception and more changes were announced in
the Autumn budget due to be implemented 2019-2020.

December 2018 - Housing Costs for 18-21 year olds reinstated
January 2019 - No new claims for UC from those in receipt of a severe disability premium until further notice
February 2019 - Restrictions preventing those with 3 or more children claiming UC lifted from
The 2 child limit for children born before April 2017 was withdrawn.
April 2019 - Universal Credit Work Allowances increased by £1000 year for those with children or with limited
capability for work.
May 2019 - mixed age couples no longer able to make a new claim for Pension Credit and must instead claim
Universal Credit.