Issue - meetings

To submit the report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer.

It was RESOLVED :-

·           To approve the revised Local Discretionary Housing Payment Policy (DHP) Scheme from 4 April, 2016 for 2016/17 and subsequent years;

·           To ensure that total DHP spend for the financial year remains broadly in line with the amount allocated for the scheme by the Department for Work and Pensions(DWP);

·           To allow the Revenues and Benefits Service to withdraw the Discretionary Assistance Fund service currently provided by the DHP team.

The report of the Head of Function (Resources)/Section 151 Officer was presented for the Executive’s consideration with regard to the operation of the Local Discretionary Housing Payment Policy (DHP) and the Department of Works and Pensions schemes during the financial year 2015/16 and any changes in the future. 

The Development Manager (Revenue and Benefits) outlined the main issues with the Discretionary Housing Payments to the Executive.  He noted that following the welfare reform measures of April 2013, demand for DHP increased substantially.  The Council’s DHP policy has been updated and amended annually due to the increased demand and the effects of revised DHP guidelines for making awards.  The Officer noted that the main changes that have become apparent locally during the current financial year are the effects of the Spare Room Subsidy (bedroom tax), substantial growth in the volume of applications for ‘one off’ costs such as rent deposits, removal cost and rent in advance.

The report referred to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) which was introduced in April 2013.  Due to the restructure of the Revenues and Benefits Section, the staffing resource available for DHP administration will be reduced to one FTE.  Given that DAF applicants now have access to a range of agencies to support the application process, withdrawing the facility from the DHP team should not create any problems for potential applicants.

It was RESOLVED :-

·           To approve the revised Local Discretionary Housing Payment Policy (DHP) Scheme from 4 April, 2016 for 2016/17 and subsequent years;

·           To ensure that total DHP spend for the financial year remains broadly in line with the amount allocated for the scheme by the Department for Work and Pensions(DWP);

·           To allow the Revenues and Benefits Service to withdraw the Discretionary Assistance Fund service currently provided by the DHP team.