Decision details

Authority to Award £150 Energy Rebate to households occupying properties within Council Tax Bands A to D & to design and implement a Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme in line with Government guidance.

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)            the award of £150 Energy rebate to all qualifying households within council tax bands A to D, be noted;

 

(2)            the designing and implementation of a Discretionary Energy Support scheme for those who need help with their energy bills but are not eligible under the initial award – such as households on income support in higher bands (E-H) or properties in bands A-D that are exempt from council tax – in accordance with the guidance issued, be agreed;

 

(3)            the requirement to include the insertion of the predefined Government Energy Rebate pamphlet with the 2022/23 council tax bills, be noted; and

 

(4)            the Director of Finance, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, be authorised to administer the schemes under recommendations 1 and 2 above and to appoint a third-party company, to support the payment process if so required..

 

Reason for Decision:  The government announced a package of support known as the Energy Bills Rebate to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in 2022.  This includes a:

 

·                 A £150 non-repayable rebate for households in England in council tax bands A – D, known as the Council Tax Rebate and

 

·                 A £144 million of discretionary funding for billing authorities to support households who are in need but are not eligible for the Council Tax Rebate, known as the Discretionary Fund.

 

both of which will need to be administered by the local authority to eligible council taxpayers.  As such, Harrow must implement the schemes as soon as possible to ensure timescales announced may be met.

 

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

 

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.

Report author: Fern Silverio

Publication date: 11/03/2022

Date of decision: 10/03/2022

Decided at meeting: 10/03/2022 - Cabinet

Effective from: 19/03/2022

Accompanying Documents: