Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet recommend to Council:-

(a)  That option A, B, C and D as detailed in section 6 of the report, be adopted from 1 April 2022; and

(b)  That a Task and Finish Group review a Banded scheme during 2022, along with the vulnerable category with any proposals for change to take effect from 1 April 2023.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Finance, Investment and Corporate Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and highlighted the requirement to review the scheme annually.  Due to the impact of coronavirus, it was proposed that a more fundamental review including options for a banded scheme were considered during 2022/23.

In response to questions on the impact of Universal Credit, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Council’s ambition was to make the system as accessible as possible.  The Leader of the Council highlighted the significant work that took place when Universal Credit was first introduced.

A six week consultation on the proposals will be carried out.