Decision details

Decision made

The discretionary element of the TTSP scheme is amended in line with Option 1 (point 16). This provides an increase to the low-income threshold in line with the 2021/2022 Universal Credit calculation rates with an additional percentage uplift, and an increased allowance for the level of savings in the discretionary eligibility criteria. The proposed changes are not retrospective.

Reasons for decision

The scheme remains in line with government requirements to administer grants to individuals who are affected by COVID19 and are unable to work during the self-isolation period.

1.     The proposed change to the criteria for the discretionary element of the scheme best provides financial support to those who need it the most and may not be eligible for other forms of support.

2.     The proposed change also meets the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) requirement to review our discretionary criteria, whilst still minimising the risk of spending the discretionary budget before the end of the scheme, therefore minimising the risk of being unable to assist some applicants who are still eligible.

Other options considered and rejected

Option 2: To remove the requirement for the applicant to have property related costs. These applicants are mainly adult children living at home with parents. Without means testing it cannot be established whether financial hardship would be experienced. However, the absence of property costs makes it unlikely that such a short-term reduction in income would lead to financial hardship. This option would also require further ICT development to change the application process and required evidence.

Option 3: To introduce a more detailed means testing verification process to prove financial hardship.  This would prove more administratively burdensome and would also further delay any payments being made.