Context and introduction
The government provides local authorities with funding, under a scheme of discretionary housing payments, in order that authorities are able to provide discretionary housing payments to claimants of housing benefit. Those payments are intended for housing benefit claimants whom local authorities consider require assistance with their housing costs over and above the assistance provided by housing benefit. The funding provided by government is cash-limited.
As it is inevitable that the demand for discretionary housing payments will exceed the funding available, the council has adopted this discretionary housing payments policy. This policy sets out how Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council will endeavour to fairly and equitably allocate awards of discretionary housing payments within the financial constraints of the government’s scheme.
Introduction
From April 2013 discretionary housing payment awards will play an important part in helping housing benefit claimants adjust to changes in the welfare system. The level of funding to make discretionary payments is lower than the reduction to be made in other benefits through the welfare reform changes. Therefore, in most cases, any discretionary payment will offer only short term support whilst underlying issues are addressed. Such issues may include taking employment; or moving to affordable or suitably sized accommodation; or seeking help to address money and debt issues.
When considering an application for a discretionary payment, the council will expect the person requesting a payment to demonstrate that they are actively taking steps to improve their financial position, thereby diminishing their likely future requirement for a discretionary payment.
The council, when deciding whether to grant a discretionary payment, will have regard to both the financial and non-financial circumstances of the claimant. In particular, the council will take into account whether the claimant (and/or a member of their household) has needs associated with any ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act and the extent to which those needs make it more difficult for them to improve their financial position.
When operating this policy, the council will have regard to the fact that the funding available for discretionary payments is cash-limited on an annual basis. Therefore, although each claim for a payment will be considered on its merits, there can be no guarantee that a payment will be made, as funds available may have been exhausted for the year in which the claim is made.
Objectives of the Scheme
The council will consider making a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to households who meet the criteria outlined in this policy. We will treat all claims on their individual merits. Through the operation of this policy, we will seek to:
- prevent homelessness
- support vulnerable households
- provide support at a time of crisis
- provide temporary assistance to households affected by the welfare reform changes.
In support of the above, when considering whether to grant a DHP, the staff of the housing benefits section of the council will liaise, when appropriate, with other council staff and, in particular, the council’s Housing staff. Discretionary housing payments can be made to help only with housing costs and cannot not be paid to cover other costs such as ineligible service charges or council Tax