Advanced DROs (New)
Course Overview
This course will cover the complexities and legal developments in relation to DROs. The guidance notes on making an application for a Debt Relief Order have undergone a number of revisions and various DRO related legalities are undergoing challenge; including Payne & Cooper v Secretary of State (DWP ongoing deductions from benefit) case, cases relating to rent possession proceedings and the consultation paper ‘Debt Relief Orders and Pensions’.
This training day will provide an a opportunity to reflect upon what we have learned so far and to look at new challenges which await; the welfare reform proposals will have an enormous impact and will both create an opportunity for those currently excluded from applying for a Debt Relief Order whilst simultaneously removing other clients who currently fit the criteria. The session aims to enable participants to consider individual practice and how this may be improved to meet their organisations good practice guidelines. We will consider:
- Amendments to the guide and the impact these have on making an application
- Practical issues which have arisen (e.g. gathering all the relevant information)
- Emergency cases – using a Debt Relief Order as a means to prevent eviction, disconnection and seizure of goods
- A discussion on the issues arising from the ongoing dispute around rent arrears, benefit
overpayments, Social Fund Loans and pensions plans The session recognises we all have slightly different ways of working to obtain the same result for a client; ‘there is no absolute right way or a wrong way to make an application, just good practice’. The session will allow participants to share experiences and knowledge through tutor ‘chalk and talk’, practical casework exercises and absolutely no role plays
Tutor: Mark Newbury / Nick Lee, Level: Specialist
