Decision details

Following the introduction of a new legal obligation to self-isolate if someone tests positive for COVID-19 or is identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace, the Government has also introduced a new Test and Trace Support lump sum payment of £500 to support those on low incomes if they cannot work during their self-isolation period and will suffer a loss of income as a result. This payment is being administered by Local Authorities.
The Government is also providing Local Authorities with a discretionary fund to support those who also require financial support because they must self-isolate but do not meet the full criteria for the main Test and Trace Support payment.
The purpose of the report is to inform Members about the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme which is effective from 28 September and to seek approval for the proposed policy for the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment scheme which must be in place by 12 October 2020. The policy replicates an agreed approach across Greater Manchester Local Authorities to ensure consistency for residents across the region.
The Government has provided the Council with funding to deliver the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme of £129,000 and funding of £77,403 to deliver discretionary support to those who are ineligible for the main scheme. The scheme supports those on low incomes to ensure they self-isolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested.
This report sets out the proposal for how the council should award the Discretionary grants of £500 to help to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, reduce hardship and avoid further societal and economic restrictions, including local lockdowns.

RESOLVED - That the proposed Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Policy is approved as set out in the main body of this report at paragraphs 1.15 -1.19. This will support people on a low income who are not eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme and will target the limited support available to help those in most need to self- isolate. It also complies with the mandatory criteria set by the Government for the discretionary scheme. This approach also ensures that the policy is consistent with the approach taken by Local Authorities across Greater Manchester.

Option 1 That the proposed Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Policy is approved as set out in the main body of this report at paragraphs 1.15 -1.19. This will support people on a low income who are not eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme and will target the limited support available to help those in most need to self- isolate. It also complies with the mandatory criteria set by the Government for the discretionary scheme. This approach also ensures that the policy is consistent with the approach taken by Local Authorities across Greater Manchester.
Option 2 That the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Policy is not approved. Not having clear criteria for the scheme will leave the Council open to challenge and the operation of any discretionary scheme would be inconsistent with the approach taken by the other GM Local Authorities

Option 2 That the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Policy is not approved. Not having clear criteria for the scheme will leave the Council open to challenge and the operation of any discretionary scheme would be inconsistent with the approach taken by the other GM Local Authorities

With other GM authorities to agree the principles of the discretionary scheme