Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Purpose of report

To inform Executive of the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and proposed updates.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves to:

1.1         Note the contents of the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payments.

1.2         Approve the policy for Discretionary Housing Payments.

Resolved

(1)          That the contents of the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payments be noted.

(2)          That the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payments be approved.

The Assistant Director Finance (Section 151 Officer) submitted a report to inform Executive of the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and proposed updates.

In response to Executive member questions, the Head of Revenues and Benefits confirmed that eligible applicants would be signposted to the scheme. The Head of Revenues and Benefits confirmed that spending of the funding was maxmised.

Resolved

(1)            That the contents of the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payments be noted.

(2)            That the reviewed policy for Discretionary Housing Payments be approved.

Reasons

Discretionary Housing Payments are vital for residents in the current economic climate and help to support our most vulnerable residents with housing costs.  It is recommended that the policy is endorsed by Executive to continue delivering support to these customers.

Alternative options

Option 1: To return the funds to the Department for Works and Pensions. This has been rejected as this would not be in line with Cherwell’s objectives of continuing to respond to the cost-of-living crisis and working to prevent homelessness.