Decision details

Purpose of Report: The Government as part of its latest package of controls to minimise the spread of covid-19 has introduced a new isolation payment for those on low income or self-employed who are unable to work from home. The policy also has an discretionary element and this paper will present the councils policy for making the payments.

The Executive Member will be asked to approve the policy for making payments.

While we always aim for items to go on the forward plan 28 days before a decision is to be made in this instance this was not possible due to the government scheme for COVID-19 Isolation Payment Policy being announced the week commencing 21 September 2020.

Resolved:  (i)      That the details of the self-isolation scheme be noted.

                   (ii)      That the council scheme attached at Annex A and the discretionary scheme at Annex B be approved.

                   (iii)     That approval be given for decisions on discretionary payments to be made by the service administering the council’s discretionary welfare support.

Reason:     To provide financial support to financially vulnerable residents who have been formally asked to self-isolate through the government’s track and trace system.