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From the frontline – David Curran

David Curran, income manager at Knowsley Housing Trust, explains how he enjoys helping customers struggling with Universal Credit

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From the frontline - David Curran of Knowsley Housing Trust #ukhousing

Tell us about your job.

My role was created in response to the Welfare Reform Act 2012. We identified the risks that it would pose to our customers and invested in offering an advice service for customers managing welfare benefits.

I am responsible for helping Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) identify and manage the risks in the ever-changing world of welfare reform, and I manage a dedicated team of officers.

How did you get into the sector?

I graduated with a degree in economics and I had always planned to work in a finance role. My interest in housing was sparked while I was at university and volunteered at Citizens Advice Bureau. I really enjoyed the experience of working with the public and helping them access good-quality advice.

I spent some time as a temporary agency member of staff at KHT in 2013, advising customers on the potential impact of the bedroom tax, and when my current role was advertised a year later, I jumped at the chance to come back.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love working for a unique business that is keen to back tenant sustainability projects and support customers struggling with the Universal Credit system, as well as help them access employment opportunities and digital inclusion training, and address their health and well-being needs.


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And the worst?

Many of our customers have had their benefit entitlements cut or removed entirely – in many cases through no fault of their own.

There is an unprecedented amount of fuel and food poverty in the borough. The team often deals with desperate customers who have no food in the cupboards or heating in their homes.

What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?

I would revisit the thinking around Universal Credit. We are seeing an increasing number of families who are struggling to manage their money and having to rely on food banks.

What would be your superpower and why?

It would be great to be invisible, so I could get into every Liverpool FC match for free – it’s so tough to get a ticket these days.

What’s the most private thing you’d be willing to admit to your colleagues?

I’m secretly obsessed with Harry Potter. I have a whole collection of branded merchandise at home and have read all the books at least five times!

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