Decision details

Eligibility for the government one-off £500 Test and Trace Support Payment is for people who:-
- 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;
- are employed or self-employed;
- are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
- 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 has had significant feedback relating to this government scheme on the eligibility and amount of payment. Therefore as part of the Mayor’s Spring Sprint, it was felt some additional funding would further assist Doncaster citizens who find themselves in this position. No other alternatives have been considered.
It is estimated that the number of payments for cases up to 31st March when the extra payment ends will be no more than 200 totalling £50k. This budget requirement will be covered by a budget contribution from Public Health.

To award an additional £250 to any citizen who is having to self-isolate and meets the national criteria for the self-isolation support scheme.

No other alternatives have been considered.