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This report details budget changes within the agreed 2020/21 transport capital programme that are required so the programme continues to reflect current priorities, budgets match expenditure and that take-up of available grant funding is maximised.

RESOLVED - That:
This report is the second in a series of reports that will be produced in 2020/21 as part of the ongoing monitoring of the transport capital programme. The report sets out the current position in respect of the value of the 2020/21 transport capital programme and proposes budget changes within the programme. There is additional funding being brought into the transport capital programme of £4.362m as outlined in Appendix A which will be spread across financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Between Budget Update Report 1 for 2020/21 and this report, there has been several budgetary changes, including reprofiling and realignments as outlined in Appendix B.

A decision is required to approve the financial and contractual commitments associated with the appointment.

RESOLVED - That: the financial and contractual commitments associated with the appointed are approved.

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.