Decision details

(Report of Director of Finance and Transformation)

The report advised the Cabinet of the Government’s Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 and sought approval of policies for its implementation within Tonbridge and Malling.

Attention was drawn to the Borough Council’s role as a billing authority in providing a cash payment (grant) of £150 in April to council taxpayers in properties with a Band A, B, C or D.  Payment was a grant and not expected to be repaid by the recipient.

In addition, the Government had announced that billing authorities were required to administer a discretionary fund for taxpayers whose properties did not fall into Bands A-D but who otherwise might fall into financial hardship as a result of the rise in the energy price cap.

The Cabinet resolved that:

(1)            the arrangements underway in order to deliver phase 1 of the national Energy Rebate Scheme be noted;

(2)            delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Transformation in liaison with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, to agree the mandatory Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 for Tonbridge and Malling once final guidance from government was received; and

(3)            delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Transformation, in liaison with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, to agree the discretionary policy for those properties not in Bands A-D.