Agenda item

1.  That the policy at Appendix 1 to the report for the allocation of the discretional funding to support vulnerable households to meet their energy bills be approved.  The following groups would be supported:

a. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. Current cases 200 costing £30,000

b. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are entitled to a reduction under the Council Tax (Reduction for Disabilities) Regulations 1992. Currently 30 cases costing £4,500

c. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are entitled to a reduction as a result of Severe Mental impairment. Currently 5 cases costing £750

d. A single additional payment of £30 (in addition to the mandatory payment) will be awarded to any household who resides in a home with a Council Tax band A to D and is in receipt of Council Tax reduction on the 1st June 2022.  Currently 9,500 cases costing £285,000

e. Retain a small pot of £43,200 to make awards for energy support identified through the Household support fund scheme.

2.  That delegated authority be given to the Council’s Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Oversight and Council Assets, to make technical scheme amendments to ensure the scheme meets the criteria set by the Government and the Council.

The Lead Member for Financial Oversight & Council Assets introduced a report that set out the recommended approach for the utilisation and award of Discretionary Energy Bill Rebates.

It was noted that from 1^st April 2022, households were entitled to a non-repayable energy payment rebate of £150, know as a the Council Tax Rebate, for every household in Council Tax bands A-D.  The Council was required to provide a discretionary scheme  for those in bands E-H who were in need but not entitled to the Council Tax Rebate.  The proposed scheme was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.  The Lead Member stated that the scheme had been designed to support those most in need and balanced fairness with administrative efficiency.  It was explained that the scheme would run from November until the funds had been used and that the discretionary fund totaled £363,000.

An update was provided on the rebate and it was noted that the Council had paid the £150 to all residents in Council Tax bands A-D who paid their Council tax by Direct Debit.  Households that did not pay by Direct Debit had been invited to apply to receive the rebate.

Councillor Strutton addressed the Cabinet and welcomed the discretionary scheme overall.  He asked about payments to pensioners and why the rebate hadn’t been credited to the Council Tax bills for ease of payment.  The Lead Member responded that the Government had not permitted Council’s to make the payment in that way and that meant even households in Council Tax arrears would receive the rebate. 

At the conclusion of the discussion the Cabinet approved the policy.

Resolved -

(a)  That the policy at Appendix 1 to the report for the allocation of the discretional funding to support vulnerable households to meet their energy bills be approved.  The following groups would be supported:

i. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. Current cases 200 costing £30,000

ii. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are entitled to a reduction under the Council Tax (Reduction for Disabilities) Regulations 1992. Currently 30 cases costing £4,500

iii. A single one-off payment of £150 will be awarded to any household who resides in a dwelling with a Council Tax band E-H and are entitled to a reduction as a result of Severe Mental impairment. Currently 5 cases costing £750

iv. A single additional payment of £30 (in addition to the mandatory payment) will be awarded to any household who resides in a home with a Council Tax band A to D and is in receipt of Council Tax reduction on the 1st June 2022.  Currently 9,500 cases costing £285,000

v. Retain a small pot of £43,200 to make awards for energy support identified through the Household support fund scheme.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Council’s Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Oversight and Council Assets, to make technical scheme amendments to ensure the scheme meets the criteria set by the Government and the Council.