Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 December 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 January 2021. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Friday, 12 March 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Test and Trace Support Payment

Question: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bethell on 14 December (HL11081), whether a local authority which (1) has used, or (2) is expected to use, all of the funding provided for the costs of discretionary £500 payments to people who do not fulfil the main eligibility criteria but will still face hardship if they have to self-isolate should (a) announce that the pot is empty and no more such payments can be made, (b) pay further applicants who qualify out of their own general funds, or (c) apply to the Government for further funding; and whether such local authorities can make a reduced payment to more eligible persons.

Answer: If a local authority has used all of its discretionary funding, it is a matter for the authority to decide whether to accept further applications or to use other sources of funding to make these payments. While local authorities cannot apply directly for further discretionary funding, the Government has increased provision to local authorities to make discretionary payments to £20 million per month from March 2021.The amount paid for approved applications under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme remains at £500 per case and as such local authorities cannot make a reduced payment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL11587
Session: 2019-21
Related items: Test and Trace Support Payment
Monday, 14 December 2020
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Finance Local government Test and trace support payment
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk