Income Support: Policy Guidelines: Dental Expenses and Flooring

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A decision made 17 February 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2012-0015
Decision Summary Title :	DS – Income Support Policy Guidelines		Date of Decision Summary:	16 February 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	WR - Income Support Policy Guidelines		Date of Written Report:	16 February 2012
Written Report Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Income Support Policy Guidelines
Decision(s): The Minister decided to amend the Income Support Policy Guidelines in respect of the treatment of applications for special payments for dental expenses and floor coverings with effect from 20th February 2012.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Department included a savings target of £100,000 against Special Payment costs as part of its CSR commitment for 2012. Dental costs make up a major proportion of special payment applications with many claims valued in excess of £1,000. The proposal to provide funding through loans as well as grants ensures that individuals will continue to have access to appropriate support but they will make a contribution towards larger bills. Pensioners and people with disabilities will continue to have all their costs met through grants. Co-ordination with the Housing Department has led to an improved process for void properties which will result in a reduction in the cost of providing replacement floor coverings in States rental properties. If floor coverings are not suitable for re-use, the new tenant will still be able to apply for assistance with the cost.
Resource Implications: It is estimated that the changes to dental payments will result in a saving of £87,000 in a full year. It is estimated that the changes to floor covering payments will result in a saving of between £14,500 and £50,000 in a full year, it is difficult to predict this figure accurately.
Action required: Policy Principal to liaise with Governance and Income Support teams to update policy guidelines, departmental procedures and website.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):