Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the implementation of the Energy Rebate and to the proposed approach for the use of the discretionary element of the scheme.   

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included extending the mandatory scheme to include band E households.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the arrangements for the implementation of the Energy Rebate Scheme be noted and endorsed.

(ii)

That the proposals for the discretionary element of the Scheme as set out in the report and below be approved:

·        An additional ‘top up’ payment of £20 to all residents in bands A to D who are in receipt of Council Tax Support, meaning they will have received £170 in total.

·        A payment of £170 to all residents in bands E – H (currently 84 cases) who are also in receipt of Local Council Tax Support. 

Any residual funding to be used as follows:

·        Payments to be made to new occupiers of a property in band A – D who moved in after the 1 April 2022 qualifying date and who haven’t already received a payment at another address.

·        Payments to be made to newly qualifying households following a property band change received after 1 April 2022 (e.g., where a band reduces from E to D).

(iii)

That the Strategic Director, Resources and Digital be given delegated authority to administer the fund in line with government guidance.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure allocated funds are maximised for the benefit of those households most likely to be suffering hardship as a result of the rising cost of living.

(B)

To administer the funds in compliance with government guidance.