Dorset Advice Strategy Supporting Documents 2016-2021

Appendix 1 Background Information and Supporting Evidence

Purpose of Document:

To provide background and supporting information that contributed to the evidence base for the strategy and informed our analysis and conclusions

To provide data sources and references as used within the strategy

Please refer to the strategy sections highlighted below

(i) Forward

For information about the work of:

CAiD http://www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

The Low Commission http://www.lowcommission.org.uk/

The corporate plans can be found here:

Dorset County Councilhttps://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/343542/Corporate-Plan-2015-18---Working-together-for-a-strong-and-successful-Dorset

Bournemouth Borough Council http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/CouncilDemocratic/AboutYourCouncil/PlansandPerformance/CorporatePlan.aspx

Poole Borough Councilhttp://www.poole.gov.uk/your-council/how-the-council-works/strategies-plans-and-policies/corporate-strategy-2012-2015/

Press coverage regarding the proposals to develop a ‘super council’ can be found here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-34287870

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/13767029.South_East_Dorset__super_council__plan__what_you_need_to_know/

(ii) Executive Summary

Further information about the impact and value of advice services can be located here:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/all-our-impact/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/corporate/making-the-case-web.pdf

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Advice is not just a ‘nice to have’ Service

“Understanding the high value of advice is essential as the pressures on the public finances continue, and national and local spending is scrutinised further. We have a fundamental responsibility to our clients and the communities we serve, to communicate why we are an essential service and not just a ‘nice to have’.”

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive CAB

“Our local CAB network reaches almost one in every five (17%) of the 8.6 million individuals living on a low income in England and Wales.”

Source:https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Impact/Citizens%20Advice_Impact%20Report_2015_Digital.pdf

For information regarding the impact of reductions to public expenditure from a national perspective go to: http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/uploads/documents/Publications/Mapping_the_Cuts_-_final_report.pdf (2014)

“A key finding is the extent of cumulative disadvantage arising from these measures: the most vulnerable people in the most deprived areas are most affected by each and every one of these changes. Welfare reforms hit hardest where deprivation is greatest

The same pattern can be seen in relation to cuts to local authority funding: the frontloading of cuts and targeting of specific grants to deprived authorities, has meant that these authorities are being cut faster and harder. More deprived authorities are also more grant dependent, and so lose more in absolute terms. Council spending will be cut further: by 2015 it is estimated that councils will have lost one third of their budgets; by 2019/20 councils will have a 29% shortfall between revenue and spending, a funding gap of £16.5 billion a year.

A key issue is the cumulative impact of cuts on the most disadvantaged individuals and households: as well as losing income from benefit cuts, they are also most reliant on public services and least able to afford alternatives. All voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) are experiencing rising demand for their services and falling income across all income streams. However, organisations in the most deprived areas are more likely to be funded by the state and therefore more susceptible to reductions in public expenditure. Children’s services have been hit hard by local authority cuts: it is estimated that voluntary organisations working with children and young people will lose over £400 million between 2011/12 and 2015/6.”

Within Dorset, there are a number of deprived areas which are considered to be less resilient to the reductions in public expenditure than others. These are primarily areas such as Weymouth and Portland, Central Boscombe/West Howe in Bournemouth and Alderney/ Turlin Moor in Poole. Local data can be found in:

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Locality Profiles (2015)https://www.dorsetforyou.com/public-health-dorset/our-work/what-we-do/PNA/locality-profiles

Local Economic Assessment (2011)https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/154794/Local-Economic-Assessment-LEA-Draft-Summary/pdf/Local_

Dorset for You Research Bulletinshttps://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/413291/Research-Bulletins see N33 (2010) N37 and N38 (2011)

Public Health Datahttps://www.dorsetforyou.com/public-health-dorset/about-us/what-we-do/JSNA https://www.dorsetforyou.com/public-health-dorset/about-us/what-we-do/JSNA/public-health-england-2014-profiles

The value of the voluntary sector http://www.bournemouthcvs.org.uk/documents/VCSELEPReport27mar.pdf

1.0 Current Position

Key facts about DorsetSource: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/411252/The-Dorset-Economy-Key-Facts

1.1 Current Landscape of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole

During our research and consultation we identified key groups who, in the light of demographic changes, the impact of new government policy such as welfare reform and the cumulative impact of local and national factors, may have greater need for advice than other groups.

Young People and Older People

Young People18.6% are aged 0-17. Our youngest populations are found in North Dorset (20.4%), Poole (19.8%) and Weymouth and Portland (18.9%). West Howe also has higher numbers of young people within its population. The national figure is 21.3%.

Working Age Population57.8 % aged 18-64. Bournemouth at 64.3% is higher than national figures (61.3%) and the South West (59.4%) with Poole (58.6%) and Weymouth and Portland (58.4%) not far behind.

Older People23.6% aged 65+ this compares with 17.4% for England and Wales. The oldest populations are found in East Dorset (29.9%), West Dorset (28.1%) and Purbeck (25.9%).

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Population statistics 2013:Dorset (includes Bournemouth and Poole) 754,460

Source: ONS https://www.dorsetforyou.com/344863

People with Disabilities and/or Mental Health Problems

It is estimated that there are 130,000 people in Dorset who are disabled Source: Access Dorset

Changes to the benefits system, combined with tougher sanctions and a work programme are likely to impact their advice needs the most. See links to mental health below.

Single Parents

Research shows that single parents are amongst those worse off as a result of recent government policy and welfare changes. In 2014 women accounted for 91% of single parents. The number of single parents in the UK has grown by 11.9% between 2004 and 2014. The number of cohabiting couples has grown significantly, by 29.7% which compares with a growth of 2.2% for married couples.Source: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_393133.pdf

According to Gingerbread, single parents account for around 25% of the population. Over 60% of single parents are in work with the majority of them not receiving child maintenance payments. 41% of children from single parents live in relative poverty, around twice the risk of those living in relative poverty faced by couple families.Source: http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/content/365/Statistics

People on Low Incomes

Income inequality in the UK is increasing but not at significant rates according to government statistics (2013/14). Pensioners continue to be the group with the lowest percentage in households. Children and working-age adults are more likely to be in both relative and absolute low income, compared to pensioners, due to having higher housing costs. Individuals in the social rented sector had the highest percentage of individuals in relative low income.

Individuals living in households headed by someone from an ethnic minority were more likely to live in low income. This was particularly the case for households headed by someone of Pakistani or Bangladeshi ethnic origin.

Individuals in families with at least one disabled member were more likely to be in relative low income than individuals in families with no disabled member. This result is most pronounced for working-age adults, who are much more likely to be in low income if their family had a disabled member

Higher-income households receive more of their income from earnings, whilst lower-income households receive more of their income from state support such as benefits.

A higher percentage of children in workless families are in relative low income, compared to children in families where at least one adult is in work.

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Children in lone-parent families are more likely to live in relative low income households than those in couple families; however, the difference between these two groups has narrowed over time.

Children from larger families with three or more children are more likely to be in relative low income, than children from smaller families.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/437246/households-below-average-income-1994-95-to-2013-14.pdf

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/budget-2015-live-emergency-uk-benefits-to-be-cut-for-families-with-more-than-two-children-10376015.html

Bournemouth specific data regarding child poverty and benefits

Source: Bournemouth Child Poverty Needs Assessment 2014http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/ChildrenEducation/ChildrensTrust/ChildrensTrustdocs/ChildPovertyNeedsAssessment.pdf

For information about the National Living Wage researched by the Institute of Fiscal Studies and the relationship with benefits see:http://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/7975

For Dorset data on child poverty see https://www.dorsetforyou.com/childpoverty

Research from our consultation work and national data identifies the following groups who face additional barriers to accessing advice, often having more complex advice needs and/or a reluctance to seek help from organisations they don’t know or trust.

These groups are:

Lone parent families and families with more than 2 children People with a disability, long term health condition or mental health problem (In

2014/15 34% of CAB clients identified themselves as in this group) Rurally isolated people Older people and young people Carers including young carers People on low incomes or who are experiencing poverty Long term unemployed, and those in insecure employment including self

employment BME groups – in particular people from gypsy/traveller backgrounds Individuals requiring specialist advice previously met through legal aid for example,

family law

Although the current position set out above appears to have remained relatively stable ie. it has not significantly worsened since 2013, there are now a number of key factors affecting the advice needs for these groups :

Welfare reform – including reductions to in work benefits such as tax credits, roll out of universal credit, no entitlement for housing benefit for young people aged 18-21,

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harsher sanctions for claimants, changes to benefits for disabled people such as ESA and PIP, the benefits cap, freezing child benefit, further changes to housing benefit (under-occupancy charge) and local housing allowance rates, changes to council tax benefits

The Care Act Digital by Default Significant reductions to legal aid provision

We therefore anticipate an increase in the advice needs of these groups becoming more apparent over the next 5 years.

Significant Features of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole

Population

Dorset has a growing older and younger population with growing advice and careneeds for example, 24.3% have life limiting illnesses and live in rural areasSource: http://issuu.com/dorsetcommunityfoundation/docs/hidden_dorset_report

Minority Ethnic Groups

The proportion of the population in Dorset describing themselves as belonging to an ethnic group other than White British has risen from around 3.2% in the 2001 Census to 7.2%, based on experimental statistics from ONS. This is still much lower than England at 17.2%.The minority ethnic population on average appears to be younger than the White British population. A particular population group that is not well represented by available data but that tends to suffer from a higher mortality rate, including maternal and infant mortality is the Gypsies and Travellers population. Within Dorset there are four designated sites for Gypsies and Travellers (near Wareham, Piddlehinton, Shaftesbury and Blandford) with a combined capacity of 46 pitches.Source: Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2013

Deprivation

This is often hidden or concentrated in urban areasSee ‘Hidden Dorset’ produced by the Community Foundationhttp://issuu.com/dorsetcommunityfoundation/docs/hidden_dorset_report

“There are thirteen areas in Dorset that are within the top 20% most deprived nationally for multiple deprivation, up from ten in 2007. Ten of them are within the urban borough of Weymouth and Portland and one in Christchurch and for the first time two LSOAs from West Dorset fall into the top 20% most deprived, both within Bridport. East Dorset has the majority of areas that fall into the least deprived nationally on the IMD. Of the sixty one areas that fall into this category thirty five (57%) are in East Dorset. Littlemoor West in Weymouth is the most deprived area in the county for income deprivation and within the top 10% nationally.”

Barriers to housing and services is a significant area of deprivation for Dorset. Sixty five areas are within the top 20% most deprived nationally, down from seventy four in 2007.

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This high number reflects the rurality of the county and more specifically the greater distance from services, which makes up a significant proportion of this domain. West Dorset has twenty three areas in the top 20% most deprived and North Dorset has fifteen. The most deprived area in the county is Halstock in West Dorset which is the 59th most deprived area nationally out of 32,482 followed by Allen Valley in East Dorset and Cam Vale in West Dorset. Five areas fall into the top 1% most deprived nationally. Twenty three areas fall into the 20% least deprived nationally within Dorset. Nine of these areas are within the built-up area of East Dorset and four in West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland. The least deprived in Dorset for this indicator is West Moors Glenwood in East Dorset followed by Wyke Regis All Saints in Weymouth and Portland.

Bournemouth comes out overall for highest levels of deprivation according to 2010 figureshttp://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/nhs-health-check-detailed/data#page/3/gid/1938132767/pat/6/par/E12000009/ati/102/are/E06000028/iid/338/age/1/sex/4

Income deprivation affecting older people, expressed as the proportion of adults aged 60 or over living on Income Support or income based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee. Four areas in Dorset fall into the top 20% most deprived nationally for this indicator, up from three in 2007. Two of these areas are in Weymouth and Portland – Littlemoor West and Westham North Westhaven. One of the areas is in West Dorset Bridport Court Orchard and the other is Somerford West in Christchurch.

Source: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/article/401817/The-Index-of-Deprivation-2010

Mental Health and Disability

Poole has higher numbers of young people with profound or multiple learning disabilities than England and the South West.

http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/learning-disabilities/data#gid/1938132702/pat/6/ati/102/page/0/par/E12000009/are/E06000022

Poole also has the highest percentage of adults with learning difficulties living in settled accommodation compared with England http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/learning-disabilities/data#gid/1938132704/pat/6/ati/102/page/0/par/E12000009/are/E06000022

Bournemouth and Poole have higher percentages of people with learning difficulties in employment than in England or the South West.

It is estimated that Poole and Dorset have higher prevalence rates for adults aged 16 – 64 with a physical disability than England. Dorset has a higher prevalence rate than England and the South West.

http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/common-mental-disorders/data#gid/8000041/pat/6/ati/102/page/0/par/E12000009/are/E06000028

Concerns about the impact of welfare reform on people with mental health problems or who are vulnerable has been raised by many national organisations including the Royal College of Psychiatrists

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Source: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/policy/projects/live/welfarereform.aspx

Research shows that people who experience mental health difficulties also frequently experience welfare problems such as unmanageable debt and difficulties with benefits.

Source: http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/welfare-advice-report

Health Inequalities

For a view of public health profiles of the area see

https://www.dorsetforyou.com/public-health-dorset/about-us/what-we-do/JSNA/public-health-england-2014-profiles

Bournemouth ranks as one of the worst - 130th out of 149 local authorities for stroke whilst Dorset fares much better in the lowest quartile. Bournemouth is also one of the worst areas for premature death, especially amongst men.

Source: http://healthierlives.phe.org.uk/topic/mortality/area-details#are/E06000028/par/E92000001/ati/102/pat/

By comparison, Dorset ranks as one of the best in the area regarding life expectancy, along with Poole.

Source: http://healthierlives.phe.org.uk/topic/mortality/area-details#are/E10000009/par/E92000001/ati/102/pat/

Source: http://healthierlives.phe.org.uk/topic/mortality/area-details#are/E06000029/par/E92000001/ati/102/pat/

And yet Dorset is amongst the worst in the country for inviting people for health checks and subsequent take up of health checks

http://healthierlives.phe.org.uk/topic/nhs-health-check/area-details#are/E10000009/par/E92000001

Debt

Research by the Money Advice Service suggests that 6.6 million over indebted households in the UK perceive debt as a heavy burden or have had arrears of three months or more, of which 2.1 million will actively seek debt advice, 2.2 million would benefit from debt advice; 1 million could benefit from broader money advice and 1.3 million are unlikely to ever seek advice.

StepChange reports that demand for debt advice is growing among older age groups and the increasing need to address ‘pay day loans’

Source: http://www.lowcommission.org.uk/dyn/1360522330008/Low-Commission-Context-Paper-on-Debt.pdf

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Some key facts about money and debt http://themoneycharity.org.uk/money-statistics/february-2014/

Fuel Poverty

Energy is becoming a pressing consumer issue thanks to the disproportionate cost of fuel to income, leaving an estimated 2.35 million households in fuel poverty in 2013. The CAB can help consumers manage ongoing relationships with their energy supplier, such as issues with billing, information and metering. This is crucial when the alternatives are unaffordable tariffs, high bills or even disconnection.

In 2014/15 the CAB (UK) provided Energy Best Deal group sessions to 1,370 clients and 4,900 frontline workers, many of whom would be considered vulnerable (due to low income, pensionable age, child dependants and health status).

46,000 clients were advised on energy related consumer problems and/or fuel debt. Being in fuel poverty and not being able to keep warm has significant health implications.

Energy customers who pay via a prepayment meter often face higher costs, poor customer service and an increased likelihood of disconnection from their energy supply. CAB research shows 16% of prepay customers are cut off from energy over the winter months, while this group pays on average £226 more than online direct debit deal customers. 11 million people in Great Britain live in households that pay for their energy with prepayment meters.

Source: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Impact/Citizens%20Advice_Impact%20Report_2015_Digital.pdf

Citizens Advice said Ofgem figures showed 80% of households with prepay meters installed were already in debt. Users pay for their electricity or gas in advance, by topping up cards or buying tokens. 

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/jul/03/prepay-meters-hit-the-poorest-hardest-citizens-advice

In 2010 the Rural Services Network (RSN) for the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) highlighted the difficulties rural households may face keeping warm.

Key findings:

• a link between fuel poverty and health and wellbeing• more fuel poor rural households suffering from cold related illnesses such as asthma and respiratory disease than non-fuel poor rural households• Most of these households have to ration their fuel in winter • Most rural fuel poor households responding to the surveys said that they go without other things to pay for their fuel and turn their heating down or off in winter to save money on their fuel bills• Over 60% of the rural fuel poor households that do not have a mains gas connection and if using oil to heat their homes found it difficult to afford, with that figure rising to over 72% for households with children.

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Source: http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2010/oct/01/fuel-poverty-england

According to government figures produced by the Department for Energy and Climate change in 2011, 11% of households in Bournemouth were defined as fuel poor, the figure for the South West was 9% and England was 11%. In addition to fuel poverty according to the 2011 Census there are 3,106 households (3.8%) with no form of central heating compared with 2.7% across England.

Latest research tells us that:

Households living in privately rented accommodation have continued to have the highest fuel poverty rates, whilst owner occupied households have had the lowest rates of fuel poverty. This pattern has been consistent since 2003. The depth of fuel poverty is largest for owner occupied properties and smallest for households living in local authority properties (with average fuel poverty gaps of £459 and £199 respectively).

Unemployed households have the highest rates of fuel poverty across all economic activity groups.

Lone parent households have consistently been more likely to be in fuel poverty. The level of fuel poverty was greatest amongst groups where the youngest member

of the household was aged 16-24. In 2013, 23 per cent were fuel poor. However, the fuel poverty depth increases with age.

Semi-detached and terraced dwelling types are more likely to be fuel poor households

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/429873/Fuel_Poverty_Annual_Report_2015.pdf

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fuel-poverty-detailed-tables-2013

Food Poverty

Economic stagnation, the rising cost of living, cuts to social security and public services, falling incomes, and rising unemployment have combined to create a damaging situation in which millions are struggling to make ends meet. Just one example among many is the unprecedented rise in the need for emergency food aid, with at least half a million people using food banks each year in the UK.

Source: https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/cs-true-cost-austerity-inequality-uk-120913-en.pdf

The foodbank in Bournemouth reports increased usage year on year since 2010 and is now helping double the amount of people.

Source: http://bournemouth.foodbank.org.uk/

Poole* almost 5500 people helped last year in 2013Bournemouth* 8614 helped last year14,114 peopleAll food banks have seen a 70% increase in demand over the past 3 years

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Source: http://www.poole.gov.uk/communities-and-people/equality-and-diversity/poverty-response/ (Richard Bristow power point presentation)

Foodbanks are located across Dorset and usage is increasing.

Transport and Car Ownership The more urbanised areas of the Dorset/Bournemouth/Poole area are fairly well served by public transport. However, in the more rural parts of the DCC Dorset area the service can be particularly limited. Approximately 10% of the working age population of both West and North Dorset live over an hour by bus away from any of the 34 employment centres. Whilst there will be some employment available more locally it is probable that employees living in these more remote areas will be dependent upon private transport to access employment. Car ownership is lowest in the urbanised areas. In both Bournemouth and Weymouth and Portland over a quarter of households do not run a car at all. In the more rural areas of the area, car ownership is more widespread, with 88% of East Dorset’s households having access to a car, and 46% having two or more vehicles.

Source: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/154794/Local-Economic-Assessment-LEA-Draft-Summary/pdf/Local_

House Prices and Income

Average house prices have risen since 1995, as has been seen nationally, but prices have generally been higher than the national figure, especially in Dorset CC area and Poole. In particular, the ratio of house price to annual wage has been notably higher in the area than in England as a whole with a house, on average, costing the equivalent of eight times the average annual wage.

Source: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/154794/Local-Economic-Assessment-LEA-Draft-Summary/pdf/Local_

In Bournemouth a higher proportion of households live in rented accommodation (41.1%) than in Dorset (25.7%) and Poole (27.7%) also higher than England (34.5%) or the South West (30.4%)

Source: http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/common-mentaldisorders/data#gid/8000041/pat/6/ati/102/page/0/par/E12000009/are/E06000028

Being made homeless has a devastating impact and the state often has to step in – either through local authority funded temporary accommodation or as social services – to an estimated cost of £24-30,000 per person

When it is young people who become homeless, these costs are likely to be even heavier. Periods of adversity early in adult life tend to have strong knock-on effects. As well as poorer physical and mental health outcomes, young people who experience housing instability or homelessness are significantly less likely to be in a position to access employment or further education

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https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/welfare%20publications/Housing%20benefit%20impact%20assessment.pdf

CAB estimates that “2 in every 3 clients will have their housing problem solved” when they use a local CAB service.

The Dorset 2013 Housing Summary tells us that "the average house price in DCC Dorset in September 2013 was £210,874 equivalent to a rise of 20.1% over the preceding 10 years. This is higher than the rise in the South West, but slightly lower than the rate of increase for England and Wales. It must be noted, however, that the average house price for Dorset remains significantly higher than the average for England and Wales. Bournemouth and Poole are seeing growth rates of 13% and 18% respectively. Over the same period, incomes have not increased at the same rate and therefore the affordability of housing has become more of an issue. A 2010 report by the National Housing Federation highlights the issue of the affordability of housing, especially within the South West. Apart from Bournemouth and Weymouth and Portland, this shows all the Dorset districts have house price to income ratios higher than the national figure and the South West figure. The building of new houses in Dorset is low whilst the building of flats in areas like Bournemouth is increasing. 

Source: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/191605/Dorset-Countywide-Housing-data-2013/pdf/2013_Housing_Summary.pdf

Employment - Unemployment, NEETs and Low Wage Working

Unemployment is relatively low across Dorset although it is increasing steadily. This masks low wage working and a lack of opportunities for young people.

For those in work, average hourly wages have fallen in real terms by 5.5 per cent since mid-2010.There has also been a considerable shift in the type of jobs created, with half of the increase in employment numbers since 2010 being in temporary work and a doubling of people involuntarily in temporary work. In other words, people who want permanent jobs are increasingly unable to find them. The number of people taking part-time work because they are unable to find full time work has more than doubled since 2008.In addition, self-employment, which can leave workers with no employment rights, has seen a dramatic increase, particularly since 2011.

Source: https://www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/cs-true-cost-austerity-inequality-uk-120913-en.pdf

The numbers of young people not in employment, education or training is an important indicator of future poverty issues. This group are more likely to be reliant on the state for longer periods of their lives. This early loss of opportunities is also likely to restrict future employment opportunities to low paid low skilled work. There is also significant evidence to demonstrate that this group is more likely to suffer from long term physical and mental health issues. These also have potential to reduce their capacity for employment and result in greater dependence upon state funded support and services.

The estimated life time costs of being NEET were determined by the University of York in 2010.

https://www.york.ac.uk/media/spsw/documents/research-and-publications/NEET_Final_Report_July_2010_York.pdf

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Higher than National Average Prevalence of Self Employment

Approximately one in eight of the working age population are self-employed. The prevalence of self-employment is particularly notable in the DCC Dorset area, especially its more rural parts, but all parts of area – with the possible exception of Weymouth and Portland – have a rate of self-employment higher than the national figure.

https://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/154794/Local-Economic-Assessment-LEA-Draft-Summary/pdf/Local_ The numbers of people who are self-employed are increasing – along with their need for business development support and advice. This is due to a combination of factors which include the absence of a centralised advice provider, a fragmented market place, government policy changes such as welfare reform, the lack of available jobs with training and reductions to public expenditure.

Superfast Broadband

Go to https://www.dorsetforyou.com/broadband/where-and-when for more information about coverage. There are parts of the area where there are no plans for roll out of superfast broadband https://www.dorsetforyou.com/broadband/map such as more rural areas.

Currently 20% of the area does not have access to superfast broadband. However, initiatives are being developed to reduce digital exclusion amongst rural communities.

Source: https://www.dorsetforyou.com/broadband/news/digital-dots

Broadband speeds have been improved in areas such as:

Bournemouth, Blandford, Buckland Newton, Cerne Abbas, Child Okeford, Corfe Castle, Cranborne, Dorchester, East Stour, Gillingham, Harman’s Cross, Lytchett Matravers, Manston, Marnhull, Piddletrenthide, Poole, Shillingstone, Stourton Caundle, Tarrant Rushton, Tarrant Keynston, West Orchard, Wimborne Minster, Witchampton and Yetminster.

More than 55,000 homes and businesses have benefited so far.

Source: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDORSET/bulletins/117a3e0

It is important to note that the availability of automotive broadband does not mean automatic take up due to costs.

1.2 The Dorset Advice Sector

Information about organisations providing advice and advice-related support are on the ‘Connecting Advice in Dorset’ website:

www.advicedorset.org.uk

Other directories listing a wide range of ‘support’ agencies can be found on:

MyLifeMyCare: https://www.mylifemycare.com/solutions-and-service-providers

Bournemouth CVS: http://www.bournemouthcvs.org.uk/register-contacts.asp

Dorset Community Action:

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http://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/civicrm/profile&reset=1&gid=5

Poole CVS: http://www.poolecvs.org.uk/membershiplist1.asp

Quality Marks Used by CAB and Other Advice Providers

For information see http://advicequalitystandard.org.uk/

http://advicedorset.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/summary_of_quality_marks_available_for_advice_providers.pdf http://advicedorset.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/guide_to_quality_standards_for_vc_orgs_with_advice_remit_-_v1_dec_2014.pdf

1.2.2 Funding for the Sector

Organisations in the most deprived areas tend to be larger (£100,000+) and more involved in economic well-being and delivering public services; significantly organisations in these areas are more likely to be publically funded and therefore more susceptible to reductions in public expenditure. This suggests a high degree of interdependence between local authorities and local voluntary organisations in certain neighbourhoods: the voluntary sector providing reach and responsiveness; councils providing resources. The combined pressures on both is likely to lead to reduced provision and worse outcomes in the most deprived areas.

http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/uploads/documents/Publications/Mapping_the_Cuts_-_final_report.pdf

For a more Dorset perspective see http://www.bournemouthcvs.org.uk/documents/VCSELEPReport27mar.pdf

1.3 The need for advice now and in the future

Advice services are already facing additional pressures and demands on their services and this is set to increase.

The cumulative effect of all the national and local factors as set out below, combined with the impact of new government policies filtering down, with indications of further cuts to public sector funding will inevitably lead to an increased need for impartial, independent, accurate and timely advice particularly, in relation to social welfare issues.

1.3.2 Predicting future demand for advice: national factors

GLOSSARY

Term What it is Web Links

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Universal Credit Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work, which merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that people currently get. Universal Credit will replace:

Income-based Jobseeker’s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowanceIncome SupportChild Tax CreditWorking Tax CreditHousing Benefit

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview

https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/universal-credit-an-introduction

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

DLA is a tax free non-means tested benefit for disabled people who need help with mobility or care costs. In most cases it is being replaced by Personal Independent Payment (PIP) if aged 16-64.

https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit/overview

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability for those aged 16 to 64. Assessments determine the amount people are eligible to receive. It is not means-tested.

https://www.gov.uk/pip

https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

Child Tax Credits

Working Tax Credits

Child Tax Credit is paid to people on a low income if they are responsible for a child under 16 or under 20 and in approved education or training

People do not need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit. The amount depends on people’s circumstances

People qualify for Working Tax Credit if either of the

https://www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit/overview

https://www.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator

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following apply:

Aged from 16 to 24 and have a child or a qualifying disability or you’re 25 or over, with or without children

To qualify people must:

work a certain number of hours a week, and get paid for the work donehave an income below a certain level

The basic amount of Working Tax Credit is up to £1,960 a year

https://www.gov.uk/working-tax-credit

Child Benefit Child benefit is payable to people who are responsible for children (each child aged under 16 years, or a young person under 20 years if they are still in approved full-time education up to A level or similar, or on certain approved training courses).

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit/overview

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-rates

Housing BenefitAn amount payable towards rent for people on a low income. Housing Benefit can pay for part or all of rent costs. How much an individual receives depends on income and circumstances. Anyone can apply for Housing Benefit whether they are unemployed or working

https://www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/overview

National Living Wage

The living wage is based on the amount an individual needs to earn to cover the basic costs of living. Because living costs vary in different parts of the country, there is a different rate for London and the rest of the

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20204594

http://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-living-wage

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UK.

Benefit Cap There is a limit to the total amount of benefits that can be claimed by people aged 16-64.The level of the cap is:

£500 a week for couples (with or without children living with them)£500 a week for single parents whose children live with them£350 a week for single adults who don’t have children, or whose children don’t live with them

https://www.gov.uk/benefit-cap

Legal AidLegal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal. People need to show that:

their case is eligible for legal aidthe problem is seriousthey can’t afford to pay for legal costs

https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/overview

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-rights/legal-system/taking-legal-action/help-with-legal-costs-legal-aid/

Self Funder (Care Act)

Many people who use care and support services will pay for all of the costs. This is known as being a "self-funder" From April 2020, a "cap" on the costs of meeting eligible care needs (but not accommodation associated with care or nursing costs) is being introduced. The cap means that, once reached, the local authority will take over paying the cost of an individual’s eligible care needs.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/getting-care-and-support/care-act-faq

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/funding-your-own-care-self-funder.aspx

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National Factors Affecting Advice Needs

Current Government Agenda

What it Means? Links to Further Information

1.Continuingreduction in public expenditure

Significant reductions estimated at 40% to government department budgets leading to reductions in funding to local authorities and a ‘welfare freeze’

http://www.gist.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/5fcbd0c4-2948-11e5-8db8-c033edba8a6e.html#axzz3jA3vTpk4

http://www.jrf.org.uk/topic/austerity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_government_austerity_programme

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33610801

Bournemouth http://www.ft.com/ig/sites/2015/local-cuts-checker/#E06000028ZZE06000028

Poolehttp://www.ft.com/ig/sites/2015/local-cuts-checker/#E06000029ZZE06000029

Dorsethttp://www.ft.com/ig/sites/2015/local-cuts-checker/#E10000009ZZE10000009

Health Concernshttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/aug/17/psychologists-march-to-highlight-devastating-impact-of-cuts-on-mental-health

2.Welfare Reform: on-going

Key changes since 2012-2012 Welfare Reform Act saw introduction of Universal Credit replacing most benefits except for DLA and Carers Benefit as well as the introduction of the under occupancy charge. Universal Credit is now being rolled out in Dorset. The system is digital by default which presents challenges for many applicants/claimants.Introduction of Claimant Commitment with stricter sanctions if not complied with which may include removal of benefit completely

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-12/welfarereform.html

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/welfare-reform

http://www.cpag.org.uk/welfare-reform

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/universal-credit-an-introduction

https://www.housing.org.uk/media/facts-and-figures/

3. In January 2014 the http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/

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Post Budget Welfare Reform

Chancellor indicated that he would be reducing the Welfare Bill by £12 billion

Welfare Reform and work Bill – a new work programme with incentives to get people back to work, benefits for families will be capped and all in work benefits are being frozen, housing benefit removed for young people aged 18-21

welfarereformandwork.html

http://www.housing.org.uk/policy/welfare-reform/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/welfare%20publications/Housing%20benefit%20impact%20assessment.pdf

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research/welfare-reform-impact-assessments/

3.

Digital by Default

The concentration and centralisation of services online.Risk of digital exclusion, not all of Dorset has access to Broadband and some residents do not have the necessary ICT skills, knowledge and equipment to access ICT effectively

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-strategy

https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/digital-by-default

4.

Legal Aid

There are no plans to reinvest in Legal Aid and it is likely to be cut even further. The impact of this may be that courts are likely to close or offer reduced services and there will be additional pressures placed on courts as more people attempt to represent themselves.

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jun/10/legal-aid-fees-to-be-cut-by-875-confirms-ministry-of-justice

http://www.legal-aid.org/en/home.aspx

5.

Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015 and requirement of the new work programme

In January 2014 the Chancellor indicated that he would be reducing the Welfare Bill by £12 billion

Welfare Reform and work Bill – a new work programme with incentives to get people back to work, benefits for families will be capped and all in work benefits are being frozen, housing benefit removed for young people aged 18-21

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/welfarereformandwork.html

http://www.housing.org.uk/policy/welfare-reform/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/welfare%20publications/Housing%20benefit%20impact%20assessment.pdf

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research/welfare-reform-impact-assessments/

6.

The Care Act

Brings new duties for local authorities including one to ensure that information and guidance is available to people who need care and their carers.The cap on care costs has been postponed until 2020

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/365345/Making_Sure_the_Care_Act_Works_EASY_READ.pdf

http://www.local.gov.uk/documents/10180/6869714/L14_767+Summary+Guide+to+the+Care+Act+2014+and+implications+for+providers.pdf/

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2d618a16-19e5-44fe-8833-8bcd57bd7ec47.

Extension of Right to Buy / Other

Extension of Right to Buy – risk of reducing availability of social/affordable housing for those most in need

Expansion of Troubled Families Programme

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/queens-speech-2015

https://www.housing.org.uk/media/blog/right-to-buy-extension-estimated-to-cost-12-billion/

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/409682/Financial_Framework_for_the_Expanded_Troubled_Families_Programme_april_2015.pdf

8.Proposed new Immigration Bill

A new Immigration Bill - extending the principle of ‘deport first appeal later’ to all immigration cases

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2014-15/illegalimmigrantscriminalsanctions.html

9.

Refugees

On 7th September, the Prime Minister announced that Britain should resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next 5 years. These refugees will be taken from the camps in the countries neighbouring Syria using the established process. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will refer people to the scheme.

The Home Office and Department for Communities and Local Government will be working with local authorities and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales to agree details of the arrangements to house and support the refugees.

http://www.local.gov.uk/refugees

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/syria-refugees-uk-government-response

Local Factors Affecting Advice Need

Drivers Impacting Dorset:

Driver Potential Impact/RiskContinuing reductions in public sector expenditure

Cuts to council services for residents and additional pressuresSome parts of Dorset deemed less resilient to cutsClient: revolving door demandSystems failure – costly appealsReduced funding for the voluntary sectorExpectation that the voluntary sector can do more with less – reliance on volunteers to fulfil complex roles

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Streamlining of commissioning processes – risk of smaller organisations losing out to bigger, organisations possibly from outside of DorsetRisk of increased competitive behaviour, silo working and mistrust amongst agencies

Changes in Social Welfare legislation, the implementation of Universal Credit and a shift in emphasis towards full employment

Uncertainty for the public regarding rights and responsibilitiesIncrease in advice enquiries and appeals requiring case work and specialist adviceRemoval of Legal Aid in this area of work and also the impact on family law and the courts as a result – Dorset Bournemouth and Poole have higher percentages than England of adults defining their marital status as separated or divorced

Source: http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile-group/mental-health/profile/common-mental disorders/data#gid/8000041/pat/6/ati/102/page/0/par/E12000009/are/E06000028

Specific groups more affected by changes than others such as: single parents, larger families, young people and people with disabilitiesIncreased need for support regarding use of ICT and access for clientsIncreased need for financial literacy and early education regarding money management

Increasing Social Inequalities

The cumulative impact of housing and other cost increases alongside low, seasonal or stagnant incomesShortage of affordable housingIncrease in food and fuel povertyLong term unemployment is rising steadilyShortage of jobs with training for young people

Digital by Default

The consequences and opportunities arising from this agendaAssumption that everyone is on line and has the skills to use the technology

The Care Act Dorset has a growing aging population with increasing need for information and advice combined with increased demand for health and social care services.Impact on Self funders

Health and Wellbeing

The impact of debt and poverty related stress on individuals and familiesPrevalence of mental health issues amongst people experiencing social welfare problems

Rural Dorset The challenges of meeting the needs of communities in rural areas particularly where poverty and deprivation is harder to spot. Living in a rural area brings additional challenges, such as higher living costs, older housing, limited public transport, limited social networks and a lack of access to basic financial services and productsSource: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/rural/rural-poverty-and-financial-exclusion/

Urban Dorset Increasing numbers of vulnerable people with some form of disability or mental health issue

Being ‘future ready’

The risk of missing the boat as not ready/do not have the capacity, intelligence or partnerships in place to maximise opportunities to access new resources or create new models for deliveryRisk of losing contracts/funding to larger organisations from outside of Dorset

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1.4.2 The importance of partnership working and early intervention – the economics of accessing good quality advice at time of need

In 2013 the Baring Foundation prepared a report titled ‘Social Welfare Legal Advice and Early Action’. The report highlighted the pivotal role played by advice agencies in prevention and contributing to better social and financial outcomes for people and society as a whole.

“Particularly relevant to the advice sector are the benefits identified for using early action as a principle for service delivery. At a time when advice services face large-scale funding cuts and greatly increased needs, early action offers a way to alleviate future demand by:

Reducing the number of people needing advice, through people avoiding problems, and being better able to deal with the early stages of problems by themselves;

Reducing the intensity of presenting demands, from specialist to general advice needs, and from general to information;

Reducing the numbers of problems which become serious advice needs; Getting the right decisions sooner, thereby avoiding costly appeals or drawn out

advice processes; Reducing repeat or ‘revolving door demand’; Reducing ‘referral fatigue’. “

Source: http://baringfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/STVSEA9.pdf

Work undertaken locally in Dorset through Joining the Dots/Advice Services Going Forward 2014, The Connecting Advice Project and Better Together provides further evidence of the need for ‘early action’ whilst also recognising the value added of advice services.

The housing/homelessness example was taken from the ‘Unit Cost Database Version 1.4’ Updated March 2015

The initial version of this cost database was developed as part of work under the Investment Agreement and Partnerships Exemplar project to produce a framework to assist local partners in reforming the way they deliver public services. The project was funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) Troubled Families Unit, and delivered by Greater Manchester and Birmingham City Council. Work to develop and update the database is being undertaken by New Economy (Greater Manchester), with further support from DCLG and other government departments. A further update is planned for late 2015.

The database contains costs across the following themes: crime; education and skills; employment and economy; fire; health; housing; and social services. In particular, it builds on work by six localities (Birmingham, Hammersmith & Fulham, Oldham, Tameside and Westminster councils, and Essex County Council). The data have been subject to a rigorous validation process, including assessing the robustness of the original source documentation, considering how data have been derived from constituent cost elements,

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comparing costs to related data, and exploring the availability of more recent/robust sources. The data has also been reviewed by analysts from the relevant Whitehall departments.

Further information is available from http://neweconomymanchester.com/stories/1966 The Economic Value of Advice Services in the UK (2015)

CAB nationally has found that GPs in England spend almost one fifth (19 per cent) of their consultation time on patients’ non-health issues. This translates to an implied cost of nearly £400 million to the health service. Financial modelling by CAB allows a demonstration of how fiscal savings are attributed to specific government departments, for example:

Department for Work and Pensions through reduced out-of-work benefits, £163 million

Local authorities through reducing cases of homelessness, £57 million

Department of Health by reducing the use of health services, £47 million

Source: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Impact/Citizens%20Advice_Impact%20Report_2015_Digital.pdf

CAB nationally estimates it has saved over £57m to local authorities through preventing cases of homelessness. This is only a fraction of their true value to local authorities: there is significant benefit in helping clients negotiate local processes, such as welfare reform changes, and managing debts owed to local government.

Source:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Impact/Citizens%20Advice_Impact%20Report_2015_Digital.pdf

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research/welfare-reform-impact-assessments/restricting-access-to-housing-benefit-for-young-people/

When people receive advice at the time they need they often report a benefit to their health and wellbeing. Following advice, 84% of clients also report an improved understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Source: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Impact/Citizens%20Advice_Impact%20Report_2015_Digital.pdf

Research shows that the provision of specialist advice services can also save money and reduce hospital admissions

Source: http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/welfare-advice-report

Ten pounds were saved for every one pound spent on social welfare advice, according to new research published as part of the work of the Low Commission which is considering future strategy for social welfare advice in light of the LASPO cuts. Graham Cookson, an economist at the University of Surrey, was tasked with looking at existing studies and, in particular, to investigate whether their findings supported ‘a business case’ for the provision of social welfare advice. He concluded that legal aid not only paid for itself, but it also made

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‘a significant contribution to families/ households, to local area economics’ as well as made ‘significant public savings’.

‘This research, carried out independently, demonstrates with hard economics the true value of social welfare advice,’ commented Lord Colin Low. ‘It can no longer be argued that funding social welfare advice is too much of a burden on the state. Early and necessary interventions from advice and legal support prevent problems and expense further down the line.’

Source: http://www.legalvoice.org.uk/2014/07/23/10-saved-for-every-1-spent-the-possible-value-of-social-welfare-advice/

2.0 Where do we want to be? Learning from local consultation with advice agencies

2.1.7 The importance of partnership working for innovation and developing good practice

For further information about the examples of innovative practice and partnership working highlighted in the strategy go to the following links:

Community Libraries (DCC)http://www.dorsetlibraries.org.uk/adlib/ https://www.dorsetforyou.com/libraries/opening-times

ADTV Journalism Project (Access Dorset)http://www.accessdorsetcentre.org/uncategorized/adtv-the-power-of-citizen-journalism/ http://civicmediaproject.org/works/civic-media-project/citizenjournalismandcivicinclusionaccessdorset

Social Prescriptionshttp://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/uploads/attachment/339/social-prescribing-for-mental-health.pdf http://www.southliverpoolcab.org.uk/index.php/en/about-us/2012-04-22-07-19-05/advice-on-prescription-project

CAB Outreach in Children’s CentresFunding from Dorset County Council supports six advisers who work in their local Children’s Centres one day a week. Advisers run sessions at a variety of times and locations often when other activities such as  ‘baby weighing’ and ‘stay and play’ take place. Parents find it easier to get advice in a familiar and child-friendly setting, and liaison between adviser and Children’s Centre staff make this a very good example of effective partnership work. http://www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk/projects/dorset-sure-start-childrens-centres/

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Safe and Independent Living Project (SAIL)http://www.dorsetfire.gov.uk/working-with-us/partnerships/formal-partnerships/sail/ https://mylifemycare.com/Safe-and-independent-living

Connecting Advice Project http://advicedorset.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Project-Key-Facts.pdf http://advicedorset.org.uk/about-us/

Other initiatives worth mentioning include:

Dorset Healthwatch www.heathwatchdorset.co.uk

Dorset Macmillan Advice Service

Dorset Advice Line: a locally based Virtual Call Centre for Dorset which was launched in October 2012.  This provides improved access to telephone advice for people living in Dorset and Poole, 10 – 4, Monday to Friday; there is also close alignment with colleagues running the Bournemouth AdviceLine. http://www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk/projects/ Dorset: 0344 245 1292 Bournemouth: 0344 411 1444

The research and intelligence function performed by CAB through their social policy work with clients. This work is vital in shaping new policies and delivery models whilst raising awareness regarding the real life impact on clients.An example of one of their reports is ‘Not a good time to be disabled’ http://citizensadvicedorset.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Not-a-good-time-to-be-disabled-final.pdf

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