Reference: D1386
Decision Maker: Leader of the Council
Decision status: For Determination
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
The purpose of this report is:
To seek approval to implement, in accordance with the latest
Government guidance, the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative
Fund.
To adopt the Government’s guidance (and any future iterations
of the same guidance), at Appendix 1 to this report, for
determining eligibility to the Energy Bills Support Scheme
Alternative Fund payments.
To delegate, to the Director of Corporate Resources, the authority
to determine eligibility, in accordance with the Government’s
guidance.
THAT:
1)the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund detailed at
Appendix 1 to this report is implemented in accordance with the
latest Government guidance;
2)the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative
Fund guidance (and future iterations of the same guidance),
detailed in Appendix 1 to this report, is adopted;
3)a delegation is provided to the Director of Corporate Resources,
for the determination of eligibility to the Energy Bills Support
Scheme Alternative Fund, in accordance with the Government’s
guidance.
In relation to the Government’s scheme,
the Council is expected by Government to make payments in line with
the guidance it has published.
The adoption of guidance (and future iterations of guidance) is
recommended in order to ensure proper scheme administration in line
with the Government’s intention and to prevent further
requests for adoption being required where minor amendments are
made to existing guidance.
The delegation is requested to ensure the timely award of payments,
efficient decision making and to avoid the Executive from becoming
overwhelmed by applications. It is appropriate that this function
is delegated to Officers for determination in line with established
guidance.
There are no alternatives to the
administration of the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Fund
as the Government’s guidance is explicit in the eligibility
criteria and administration methods which must be adopted by the
Council.
Urgent item?: Yes
Publication date: 28/02/2023
Date of decision: 28/02/2023
Accompanying Documents: