Issue - meetings

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Matter for Decision: To consider discretionary housing payments.

 

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Customer Services and Resources:

 

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

 

     i.        Agree an approach to the award of Discretionary Housing Payments that maintains discretion, as set out in the Discretionary Housing Payment procedural which is appended to the committee report and the budget as set out in the committee report.

 

    ii.        Ask Officers to report not later than October 2013 on the operation of the scheme including if there is a need to supplement the budget for the fund.

 

 

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The committee received a report regarding Discretionary Housing Payments presented by the Director of Customer and Community Services and the Head of Revenues and Benefits.

 

The committee made the following comments on the report

 

 

 

i.             Clarification was requested on the arrangements for time limiting of awards, particularly where no outcome was imminent. The concern was acknowledged, but it was explained that where awards were not short-term, payments were limited to the end of the financial year due to the cash limit on the fund and the fact that the increased funding was designed to facilitate the transition of welfare reform changes.

 

ii.            It was suggested that the criteria on page 10 of the officer’s report should also include partners who are unable to share a bedroom due to reasons of disability. It was explained that whilst this would be considered as part of a request for discretionary housing payment, each case must be considered on its own merits.

 

iii.           The adequacy of the funding was questioned and it was suggested that funding should be increased. With regards to this point, the following points were made

 

a.   The extent of take up of the fund was currently unknown as it was a new fund.

 

b.   The City Council did not have the legal power to spend more than £455,000 per year in this fund.

 

c.   Members were assured that if the spend trajectory raised concerns regarding the adequacy of the fund; the issue would be escalated promptly as there is continuous monitoring of the scheme.

 

Following discussion it was agreed to amend the recommendations to read

 

i.             To agree an approach to the award of Discretionary Housing Payments that maintains discretion, as set out in the Discretionary Housing Payment procedural document which is appended to this report and the budget as set out in the officers report.

ii.            To ask Officers to report not later than October 2013 on the operation of the scheme including if there is a need to supplement the funding within the overall maximum allowed.

 

iv.      In response to a question the Head of Revenues and Benefits explained which types of properties were covered by the scheme, and arrangements in place to support people.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendations (as amended in point .iii) and endorsed them unanimously.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations as amended. 

 

 

 

 

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted):

 

Not applicable.