As part of its response to COVID-19, the government announced in the Budget on 11 March 2020 that it would provide local authorities in England with £500 million of new grant funding to support economically vulnerable people and households in their local area, with a strong expectation that support should be awarded to working age people.  Trafford’s award was £1,561,070.

The Executive Member was  requested to determine how the Council will award the Council Tax element of this award using the discretionary powers under s13A (1) (c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and also how the remainder will be used to support vulnerable residents.

(1)        That Trafford Council:

·     Awards all existing working age Council Tax Support (CTS) recipients  - as at 11 March 2020 – a discretionary award equivalent to the value of their 20-21 liability;

·     Treat all new, post 11 March 2020, claims in accordance with its existing CTS scheme, as the vast majority of recipients will receive 100% support, but ensure direct information and advice for further discretionary support is detailed in notification letters;

·     Use the remaining funding towards the rising costs of CTS claims made after 11 March 2020 and significantly increasing Local Welfare Assistance costs.

(2)        That this decision be classified as urgent and exempt from call-in to enable the Council implement emergency measures during the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis.

To determine how the Council will award the Council Tax element of the government award to support economically vulnerable people and households during the COVID-19 crisis, using the discretionary powers under Section 13A (1) (c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and also how the remainder will be used to support vulnerable residents.

None.

None.