Issue details

Councillor Robert Wright 22/5/20

I think it is best that SBC handles the payment as if it is not one in isolation or limited to £150. 4.5 of the decision note shows at this time it is not possible to predict the take up. It seems to me there is little choice but to treat each claimant one at a time assessing their needs and also to monitor the government funding usage. The £150 cannot be avoided as it's specific use is prescribed by government.

The Budget included a £500 million ‘hardship fund’ for local authorities in England to help them support vulnerable people during the outbreak. The government has expectations on how this funding is to be used and SBC has already established their own approach, the "Swindon Emergency Assistance Fund". This is expected to use remaining grant to assist those in need,” which might include further council tax relief or additional support through Local Welfare or similar schemes.

The emergency fund is crucial to supporting local needs and I think we have to use the previous average and current demand to provide data for a further budget claim to the government.

Later in the year if things settle down (lets hope) further top up may be possible. As long there is an incremental use of the money further use prediction will be possible. The elephant in the room is after "lock down" will there be jobs/work to return too? We have to for instance consider the impact of the Honda closure and its affect on the local economy.

At this time I support the £150 allocation as prescribed by government however my fears are we will exceed the current government funding and we have to produce a case for more government funding.

Councillor Stan Pajak – No Comment received