Decision

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet noted the proposed changes below which will be subject to a formal consultation of up to six weeks that will run from September 2026 to October 2026:

·       Retain the current tapered scheme with following adjustments:

·       Disregard Child Benefit as an income at an estimated cost of £750k - £800k per year

·       Retain current 20% minimum payment and maintain current protections for vulnerable groups

·       Continue to support those impacted by 20% minimum payment with a top up from the Crisis Resilience Fund as follows

? 2026-27 (current year) – up to £80

? 2027-28 – up to £90

? 2028-29 – up to £100