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.

The Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme was approved as presented in the report which ensures that the policy and approach is consistent with that taken by Local Authorities across Greater Manchester

Option 1 That the revised criteria for the Discretionary Test and Trace Support Scheme is agreed, effective from 1 February 2021.
This option will entail revisiting approximately 96 recent cases turned down under current criteria from 1 February 2021 with a view to making payments retrospectively. This will increase spend, alleviate existing financial hardship and support more residents before the end of the 2020/2021 financial year.
Option 2: That the revised Discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment Policy is not agreed and the existing policy remains in place. This option will not increase the number of Oldham residents supported by the discretionary scheme

Option 2

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