Decision details

As part of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic the government announced a Test and Trace Support Payments scheme in September 2020. This new package of financial assistance is aimed to support and enforce self-isolation.

Recognising that self-isolation is one of the most powerful tools for controlling the transmission of Covid-19, this new Test and Trace Support payment of £500 will ensure that those on low incomes are able to self-isolate without worry about their finances. Local authorities are required to make these payments to individuals who meet the qualifying conditions.

The government will also allocate a discretionary fund to local authorities to enable them to provide support to individuals who do not qualify for the Test and Trace Support Payment but require corresponding financial support to self-isolate.

The fund will be available until 31 January 2021.

Local authorities are required to implement a local policy setting out how they will administer the discretionary fund. This policy sets out how the Council will administer the discretionary fund.

(1)       To approve the Local Authority’s Test and Trace Support Payments Discretionary Policy.

(2)       To grant the Director of Service Delivery delegated authority, to implement, and if necessary, amend the Discretionary Policy. Such delegated authority will include any measures necessary for or incidental to its management and administration.

This is a new scheme which needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency and so executive approval for the scheme is being sought from the Leader. The Finance and CT Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Lead Member for Community and Customers is being asked to authorise the Director of Service Delivery to implement and administer the scheme as there is no existing officer delegation in place.

There are no alternative options.