a) The Energy Rebate Discretionary Fund scheme and the criteria for the allocation of the funding is approved; and

b) That all operational and budgetary decisions regarding this scheme be delegated to the director of resources and assurance.

1. Not to approve criteria for the Energy Rebate Discretionary Fund scheme. This is not recommended. If the allocation criteria were not approved and published then the discretionary funds would not be able to be distributed and the funds would need to be returned to government.

2. To target households in fuel poverty and living in low energy efficient properties. This was considered but rejected, as it would require an application process with potentially at least 14,000 households eligible. Feedback from similar schemes indicates that an online application process is not straightforward, and may not benefit the most disadvantaged. It is also more costly to administer. If payments are made of £150 per household these would need to be made on a first come first serve basis which again raises concerns that those who are more disadvantaged may not benefit. If it was felt to be more equitable to make awards on the basis of the number of potential households which fall into this category, awards would need to be capped initially at £25.

3. To target low-income households (residents on universal credit with income below free school meal entitlement / free prescription level). This was considered but rejected, as again it would require an application process with the same issues as above. It is also reliant on data from Department of Works and Pensions, which has some limitations in practice, which adds to the complexity of the application process. Therefore, whilst approximately 6,000 households would meet the qualifying criteria, there is a high administrative burden and may not benefit the most disadvantaged.