Highland Council raises concerns over Universal Credit
29th November 2014
Highland Council has raised concerns regarding Council tenants who are affected by Universal Credit, at a meeting of the Resources Committee on 26 November.
Chair of Resources, Maxine Smith said: "The exact number of people affected is unknown, however, we are aware of 32 households who are in receipt of Universal Credit of which 30 households are in rent arrears. There is very clear evidence that the move to Universal Credit has resulted in a significant increase in rent arrears amongst this group. This problem is likely to become worse as the roll out of Universal Credit continues.
Universal Credit is also having an impact on those in temporary accommodation, where most people will receive a maximum rate of £58.46 per week towards housing costs, which does not cover their actual rent costs of between £94.80 and £155.70 per week. We are particularly concerned about this as Universal Credit was not intended to apply to homeless people at this stage.
"The Council will continue to monitor all cases and provide advice and support, and are continuing to liaise with the DWP on this and other matters."
The Council is taking further steps to support tenants and mitigate the impact of Universal Credit. This includes ensuring sources of information, help and advice are promoted and easily accessible, developing a programme of “Money Sense" sessions, providing a range of options for payment of rent and promoting digital projects across the Highlands.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
10/11/2026 : Local Authority
The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal has delivered public and private investment across the Highlands totalling £412.98 million, according to its 2025/26 Annual Report, supporting major investments in housing, tourism, innovation, and infrastructure. Highlights from the 2025/26 Annual Report include the start of the Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement project, the completion of 234 affordable homes across Highland communities, and the opening of The Inverness Castle Experience, which has welcomed more than 107,000 paying visitors since opening.
Today : Local Authority
The growing number of wind farm developments across the Highlands has created an increasingly difficult question for local democracy. How far can elected councillors go in expressing concerns about renewable energy developments before they risk being accused of bias and excluded from decisions affecting their own communities? That question has now been brought into sharper focus by Highland councillor Matthew Reiss, who has approached the Ethical Standards Commissioner seeking clear guidance on councillors' conduct when publicly expressing views about renewable energy.
7/11/2026 : Local Authority
The use of Chromebooks, laptops and other digital devices in schools was once widely regarded as an important step towards modernising education. Giving every pupil access to technology promised to improve learning, widen access to information and prepare young people for a world increasingly dependent on digital skills.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
A storm is brewing behind closed doors at Glenurquhart Road. Recent private discussions have revealed plans for Highland Council to potentially abandon its historic headquarters and relocate to Great Glen House, the current £13 million base of NatureScot.
5/11/2026 : Local Authority
Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to agree that Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) for Inverness City and Highland Rural come into effect from 1 April 2027. The recommendation to the Committee follows the decision by Scottish Government Ministers on 26 October 2026 to approve designation of the STLCAs, which are an important tool to manage future loss of housing stock, support sustainable communities and balance housing needs with the visitor economy. Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Following Scottish Government approval, the Council can now move forward with implementing these STLCAs, which will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme. Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
D&E Coaches has recorded a £700,000 profit after tax in its first full year under Highland Council ownership. The Council purchased the coach and bus operator in March 2025 to support the ongoing provision of sustainable and reliable transport services across the Highlands.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
Members of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have approved a new Policy on Abandoned Vehicles that will provide a framework for investigating, assessing and enforcement against abandoned vehicles across the region. Chair of Communities and Place, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “I welcome this new policy which will help to make a difference in communities where the nuisance of abandoned vehicles arises.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
Climate Change Committee Members have welcomed news that The Highland Council has successfully secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27. This grant funding will support retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner occupier, private rented and Council owned houses across the Highlands.
6/11/2026 : Local Authority
Members of The Highland Council have today approved the commissioning of an independent external review of the Council’s licensing arrangements following a Council motion approved on 17 September 2026. The review will consider governance, decision-making processes and opportunities for improvement.