Agenda item - Discretionary Schemes

(copy attached).

26.1      The Panel considered a report that provided the findings of the recent review of the Discretionary Decorating and Gardening Scheme and set out the recommended changes for comment.

26.2      Councillor Peltzer-Dunn noted that other authorities used a qualifying age of 70 and he was concerned that for this authority to increase its criteria from 65 years old to 75 years old could be too big a step.

26.3      The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that there was a mix across authorities of qualifying ages- some were 70, some 75 and some 80 years old. The Performance & Improvement Officer stated that the Home Group had noted that the scheme was currently heavily oversubscribed and increasing the qualifying age would provide priority for those that needed it.

26.4       Councillor Barnett asked how long successful applicants would have to wait for the work to be completed.

26.5      The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that all successful projects were completed within the financial year.

26.6      The Chair asked if those claiming Personal Independence Payments and Employment and Support Allowance qualified for the scheme.

26.7      The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that those receiving Personal Independence Payments did qualify but those receiving Employment & Support Allowance did not.

26.8      The West Area representatives carried a motion that expressed their view that a qualifying age of 75 was too old.

26.9      RESOLVED- That the report be noted.