Decision details

A decision is needed to approve the council’s Track and Trace Support Payments as mandated by the Department for Health and Social Care to Local Authorities, so low paid workers that are unable to work due to self-isolating, do not face financial hardship.

Following the outbreak of COVID 19 and need for citizens to self-isolate following positive tests or contact with others that have, the Department for Health and Social Care has asked local authorities to award a £500 grant to those low paid earners will suffer a loss of income due to being unable to work. The council’s scheme will go live on the 12th October and end in January 2021, with funding approval for a total of £378,000 in respect of grants and £55,000 in administration costs. This is based on an estimated number of approximately 8 awards per day, but this could be higher dependent on demand.
Details of the scheme and how to apply can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/trackandtracepayment once live.
Eligibility for a payment is set out in the four criteria below:
? You have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
? You are low paid employed or self-employed
? You are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result
? You are currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.
The council can also make discretionary payments of £500 to those who don’t receive one of the qualifying benefits, but are on a low income and could suffer financial hardship as a result of not being able to work.
Successful awards will be paid in to people’s bank accounts within 3 working days.

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