Decision details

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Resources (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Policy 2024/29 (also previously circulated).

The submitted report stated that the DHP was a scheme which aimed at providing residents who received Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, with additional financial assistance with their rental costs; the operation of the scheme was at the Council’s discretion with additional funding provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and was cash limited; the existing DHP Policy had been in place since April 2013 and was due for review, although no significant changes were proposed to the existing policy; and that all applications would be decided on their own individual merits.

It was reported that the report was considered and endorsed by the Economy and Resources Committee at its meeting held on 4 January 2024.

RESOLVED -  (a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That the Discretionary Housing Payment Policy 2024/29, as detailed at Appendix 1 of the submitted report, be approved.

REASONS  -  (a)  The Council is responsible for administering DHP’s in accordance with the Discretionary Financial Assistance Regulations 2001.

(b)  The DWP’s DHP Guidance Manual provides guidance and advice on good practice when considering payment of DHP’s, including consistency of decision making and how the Council should publicise the scheme.  The adoption of a formal DHP policy will help to demonstrate how we will achieve this.