Glossary | Policy in Practice

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Connecting support: Why your tenants are falling into arrears and what you can do about it Rising rent arrears, increasing income volatility and upcoming changes to disability benefits are creating new challenges for housing providers and local authorities across the UK.

Recent analysis by Policy in Practice highlights how built in features of the welfare system, such as real time income assessment, benefit deductions and policy reforms, are contributing to financial instability among tenants, particularly those already facing structural barriers like disability, caring responsibilities or single parenthood.

For many low income households, the issue isn’t budgeting, it’s that their income is eroded before it arrives. Over half of Universal Credit recipients are repaying debt through automatic deductions, leaving them short for essentials like rent. Others are impacted by erratic payment cycles or policy shifts, increasing the risk of arrears and even homelessness.

In response, Policy in Practice and Pocket Power have partnered to create a more joined up approach to tenant support. By integrating income maximisation tools with accessible referral routes, housing providers can now take a more holistic and proactive approach to preventing arrears and supporting tenancy sustainment.

Join this webinar to explore:

- The current policy landscape and how it impacts tenant incomes
- How integrated tools like the Better Off Calculator and Pocket Power referral service support a smoother customer journey
- Real world insights from guest housing providers who are using smart software to coordinate applications and reduce repeat data collection

If you're working to improve financial outcomes for tenants and reduce tenancy breakdowns, this session will offer timely, practical insights rooted in current data and frontline experience.

With guest speaker: Helen Burgess, Managing Director, Pocket Power

23/7/2025

10:30am BST

1.3 hours

Understanding the impact of disability benefits reforms on local authorities Sweeping changes to disability benefits are set to affect millions of low income households across the UK. While some recent government concessions have softened the immediate impact, significant cuts remain on the horizon, with major implications for councils, NHS services and local support systems.

New analysis from Policy in Practice shows that around 2.9 million people will be affected by the reforms, with combined losses totalling up to £6.8 billion per year. Some households stand to lose as much as £9,000 annually. These losses are not evenly distributed, and some local authorities will be hit far harder than others.

The reforms also risk putting additional pressure on already stretched services. Mental health support, discretionary housing payments, and advice services are all expected to face rising demand as a result of this shift. For councils, understanding who will be affected and preparing early will be key to avoiding deepening hardship in their communities.

In response, Policy in Practice is using local level modelling to help councils forecast the financial and social impact of these reforms. By combining granular data analysis with policy expertise, local authorities can prepare for what's coming and act now to support their most vulnerable residents.

Join this webinar to explore:

- What’s changing with disability benefits and the current policy timeline
- Where the biggest financial impacts will be felt, based on new local modelling
- How councils can prepare and target support to reduce hardship and service demand
- Real world insights from local authorities already responding to these challenges

If you're working in a local authority, the NHS, or wider support services, this session will offer critical insight into a fast moving policy landscape and equip you with the tools to respond proactively and strategically.

With guest speakers to be announced

27/8/2025

10:30am BST

1.3 hours

Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs)

A general term for three non-standard methods for paying Universal Credit to a claimant:

Paying the housing element of Universal Credit straight to the landlord
Paying Universal Credit fortnightly (or occasionally weekly) instead of monthly
Splitting Universal Credit payments between a couple, rather than paying to one of them

Applicable Amount

Also known as Needs Side or Assessment of Need, or in Universal Credit as Universal Credit Maximum Amount. This is the amount allowed for living expenses in the calculation of benefit entitlement. As such, it is the maximum possible award a person can receive given their circumstances before accounting for any income they may have. Different personal circumstances, such as a child, a disability, or if the claimant is a carer, add different amounts to the total applicable amount. The Applicable Amount is one half of the benefit entitlement calculation: see Income, for the other.