Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, which recommended the introduction of a Covid-19 Exceptional Hardship Scheme.

It was reported that as part of its response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Council had provided a range of financial and non-financial support measures to support residents since March 2020.  The Shielded Individuals Hub, the Self Isolation Support Scheme, Discretionary Housing Payments, the Discretionary Support Scheme, as well as the Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service were all provided, as described in the report.

A proposal was made to introduce a Covid-19 Exceptional Hardship Scheme, in order to assist residents who suffered hardship due to having to self-isolate without meeting the criteria for other forms of Covid-19 or other financial support. 

The Scheme’s Statement of Objectives, application process and eligibility criteria were presented for consideration by the Board.  Members were also referred to the Appendix, which contained an extract from the Council’s Local Outbreak Management Plan (LOMP) regarding contract tracing and self-isolation.

RESOLVED: That the establishment of a Covid-19 Exceptional Hardship Scheme, as outlined in the report, be approved.

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