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31 Discretionary Housing Payment report PDF 95 KB
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Additional documents:
Minutes:
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.