Issue - meetings

The government announcement of 3 February 2022 regarding Energy Bills Rebate included provision for most properties in council tax bands A to D to receive a £150 rebate payment.  The announcement also made provision for local authorities to create a discretionary scheme to support some properties in bands E to H. A required amendment to disregard Energy Rebate income in the Council’s Council Tax Reduction scheme was approved by Full Council at its meeting on 24 February 2022.

Following additional guidance received from the Government, this report provides information on the operation of the non-discretionary scheme and also seeks approval to a discretionary scheme.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Energy Rebate Discretionary Scheme as set out in paragraphs 3.17 to 3.20 of the report, which includes the arrangements for residents who live in a dwelling in Council Tax bands E, F, G and H in the borough of Brent.

(2)       To note that the Energy Rebate non-discretionary scheme would be administered in accordance with government guidance issued in February 2022.

(3)       To note the restrictions of the Energy Rebate Discretionary Scheme regarding payments and unspent funding as set out in paragraph 3.21 of the report.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to make changes that may be required to the discretionary scheme, following a review of the discretionary scheme scheduled to immediately follow phase 2 of the said scheme, as described in paragraph 3.16 (ii) of the report.

Councillor Southwood (Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform) introduced a report which, following the Government’s announcement in February 2022 regarding an Energy Bill rebate payment for most properties in Council Tax Bands A to D, provided information on the operation of the non-discretionary scheme.  In addition Cabinet was advised that provision had also been made for the creation of a discretionary scheme to support properties in Council Tax Bands E to H.  Following additional guidance received from the Government, the report was also therefore seeking approval to the establishment of a discretionary scheme.

Cabinet noted the details provided in relation to the operation, eligibility criteria and promotion of the non-discretionary scheme along with the amendment which had been agreed by Full Council on 24 February to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme in order to disregard energy rebate income.

In terms of the discretionary scheme, members were supportive of the proposed key focus, in terms of the criteria set out in section 3.18 of the report, on those households within property Bands E to H who were in receipt of Council Tax Support, other income related state benefits (but not Council Tax Support) or had applied for welfare support from the Council where fuel poverty had been identified.  Members also noted the plans to promote and publicise the discretionary scheme.

In supporting the proposals outlined in the report, Cabinet were keen to recognise the efforts of all those involved in establishing both schemes so rapidly and therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the Energy Rebate Discretionary Scheme as set out in paragraphs 3.17 to 3.20 of the report, which includes the arrangements for residents who live in a dwelling in Council Tax bands E, F, G and H in the borough of Brent.

(2)       To note that the Energy Rebate non-discretionary scheme would be administered in accordance with government guidance issued in February 2022.

(3)       To note the restrictions of the Energy Rebate Discretionary Scheme regarding payments and unspent funding as set out in paragraph 3.21 of the report.

(4)       To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to make changes that may be required to the discretionary scheme, following a review of the discretionary scheme scheduled to immediately follow phase 2 of the said scheme, as described in paragraph 3.16 (ii) of the report.