Decision details

Covid 19 Discretionary Test and Trace Support Scheme - Officer Decision

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

The decision sets out the Council’s policy for the delivery of the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme

Decision:

That the Council’s policy for the delivery of the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme attached as Appendix 1 be approved.

Reasons for the decision:

From 28 September 2020, individuals will be entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500 if they:

 

  Have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive

  Are employed or self-employed

  Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result

  Are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

 

This payment is designed to support people on low incomes, if they will lose income because of self-isolating, and to encourage them to get tested if they have symptoms. This is important to help stop the transmission of COVID-19 and avoid further economic and societal restrictions. The scheme will last until 31 January 2021.

 

In recognising that there may be circumstances where an individual meets the main qualifying criteria for the Test and Trace Support Payment (i.e. they are a low-income worker who is unable to work because they are self-isolating) but are not in receipt of qualifying benefits and could suffer financial hardship as a result of not being able to work, the Council are implementing a Discretionary Scheme in accordance with guidance and with funding from Government.

 

The attached document sets out the Council’s policy for the delivery of the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme, including:

 

  • Factors that should be considered when making a decision to award or refuse payment; and

 

  • Procedure where the applicant is dissatisfied with the Council’s decision.

 

The Powers to implement such a scheme are contained in Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011.

 

Part 2.3.1 para 12 of the Constitution enables the Chief Executive to take any action necessary in connection with any civil emergency or disaster including response, recovery and business continuity as may be required from time to time.  This decision is urgent as the scheme came into effect on 28 September 2020 and claims for the Support Payment could start immediately.  The decision has been taken in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

Alternative options considered:

Whilst introduction of the Scheme is at the discretion of the council and the council could decide not to implement a scheme, this would be to the detriment of residents that are required to self-isolate.

 

The level of awards will be capped at the amount of funding to be made available for the Scheme by Government.

 

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Contact: Alison Broom Email: alisonbroom@maidstone.gov.uk.

Urgent item?: Yes

Publication date: 05/10/2020

Date of decision: 02/10/2020

Accompanying Documents: