Issue - meetings

            The Board considered a report which provided updates on the Discretionary Support Scheme (DSS), Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Universal Credit (UC).

            With regard to the DSS, it was in its sixth year of operation. During 2017/18, 863 awards were made totalling £175,317. Full details of funding and expenditure for 2017/18 were outlined in the report.

            In respect of DHP, Members were advised that in 2017/18 grant funding of £406,692 was received and actual expenditure totalled £412,767 representing 1,403 awards. This was an over spend of £6,075. This compared with 2016/17 where 1,201 in 2016/17 and a total expenditure of £379,974. It was reported that the increase in the number of awards and total expenditure in 2017/18 compared to the previous year had been caused by the increasing numbers of residents becoming eligible for Universal Credit.

            In addition, Members noted that Halton Job Centres had commenced the roll out of UC on 27^th July 2016.  The report provided details on the UC caseload in Halton since April 2015 and the changes introduced by the Government since its introduction.

            Arising from the discussion, it was agreed that:

·         Members be provided with the number of Halton residents who had reached the benefits cap;

·         a copy of the report be circulated to both MP’s for the Halton area; and

·         the Board’s appreciation for their work administering the Discretionary Support Scheme.be forwarded to the Welfare Rights Team; and

·         information be forwarded to Members on the Council tax arrears for Castle View House.

            RESOLVED: That the latest position regarding the Discretionary Support Scheme, Discretionary Housing Payments and Universal Credit, be noted.