Issue - meetings

The Executive are asked to consider the criteria for awarding discretionary housing payments.

Members received a report on possible amendments to the criteria for awarding Discretionary Housing Payments. It was moved by Councillor Surtees, seconded by Councillor Nickerson and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The continued support of those claimants whose properties had been adapted to meet their disability needs be approved;

(ii)           The implementation of Option 2 for any renewal claims from claimants who had received support for 39 weeks within the current financial year be approved;

(iii)          The paying of 100% of the shortfall for any new claims up to a maximum of 26 weeks or until the end of the current financial year (whichever is the sooner) be approved;

(iv)         The setting of the maximum award at the lesser of (1) the difference between their income and permitted expenditure or (2) the shortfall in benefit entitlement be approved;

(v)          The payment of new claims (excluding adapted properties) from 1 April 2016 be based at 100% of the shortfall for 26 weeks and then a maximum of 50% for 13 weeks be approved. If at the expiry of the 39 week period, there are reasonable grounds for granting further support, this can be done for a maximum of 13 weeks at 50%.

Councillor Boothby entered the meeting at 6.36pm.