Welfare Reform and Means Tested Benefits

Introduction

We are in the midst of the biggest change to the benefits system since the start of the welfare state.

Ferret are now offering a one day course to bring you up to speed on the details and implications of the changes to means-tested benefits as they affect your customers and yourself.

Ferret are the producers of the FFBM Future Benefits Model which is able to forecast, year by year, the detailed operation of the benefits system. FFBM is widely used in reports and for research. This means that the course is uniquely able to offer detailed calculations and case-studies showing the real impact of the new system on different groups of customers

Content

This course looks at the core means-tested benefits system which will exist when the changes produced by the Welfare Reform Bill, and other announcements, fully come into force. Some of the changes covered in the course include:

• Universal credit which replaces income support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, working tax credit, child tax credit and housing benefit
• Localisation of Council Tax Benefit with a separate scheme for older people
• Pension Credit changes, including a new capital cut-off and changes in entitlement conditions
• Capping of total benefit payments
• Housing support changes including size limits
• Changes to the current benefits system happening at the same time
• The strange relationship of earnings and housing costs on benefits income
• Two different benefits systems running at the same time for some years

By the end of this course you will -

• Have a knowledge of the process and content of the Welfare Reform changes
• Have an understanding of the impact on clients and advisers
• Be able to explain the importance of preparing and planning for the changes; for clients and for organisations

Format

There will be a set of course notes to work with on the day together with:

• On screen presentations
• Demonstration examples
• Participant case studies
• Open discussion

Tutor

The course is given by Gareth Morgan from Ferret. Widely acknowledged as the leading expert on the practical implications of the reforms, he is the author of ‘Benefits After The Bill - The Future of Benefits following the Welfare Reform Bill’ and ‘Welfare Reform And Older People’.

Some recent comments

“Best - very detailed and comprehensive analysis of welfare reform and impact”

“This session was extremely eye-opening, full of intelligence and made you think – What does the future hold for tenants”

“A big thank you Gareth – an excellent course which exceeded my expectations”

Level

Intermediate

CPD

Ferret´s face to face Welfare Reform training is authorised and accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for the award of CPD for solicitors and others.

6 hours CPD will be awarded for completing this course.

Booking

To view current dates or book a training course use our online booking form, or alternatively contact us through the main office on 029 2064 3333, Fax us on 029 2064 3331 or email us: training@ferret.co.uk

In-house training may be the preferred solution if you require training for a team of up to 16 staff.

Costs

£120.00 ( + VAT) per attendee.

The fee is inclusive of training materials, lunch and refreshments. Please indicate when booking if you have any special dietary requirements. There is an additional £15 surcharge for London based courses.