Agenda, decisions and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Mr Alaa Al-Yousuf.

At its meeting in March, the Committee had received a report, asking them to determine how payment of a death grant should be split.

When administrators came to make the payment, it was found that incorrect information had been provided to officers and given to members in the report, therefore this updated report is seeking member’s view on whether they would wish to review their decision in light of the new information set out in the report.

The Committee is RECOMMENDED to consider whether they wish to amend their decision to share the payment of the death grant between the brother and sister to sharing the death grant between brother, sister and granddaughter, of the deceased member.

At its meeting in March, the Committee had received a report, asking it to determine how payment of a death grant should be split.

When administrators came to make the payment, it was found that incorrect information had been provided to officers and given to members in the report, therefore, the Committee had before it an updated report seeking member’s view on whether they would wish to review their decision in light of the new information set out in the report.

Mr Collins in introducing the report explained that the original report was incorrect because it stated that the deceased daughter’s child was living with her aunt when in fact this has never been the case. She lives with her father.

On investigation it was understood that this misunderstanding came from a telephone conversation, but because notes of the calls were not properly taken it was impossible to establish whether this was due to wrong information being given or lack of understanding on part of the administrator. Administrators had subsequently been reminded of the importance of best practice of taking notes of telephone calls and adding these to case records.

The Chairman Councillor Bulmer indicated that it was his understanding from communications with members of the Committee that had they been in possession of the above facts at the time of making the decision, then a different decision would have been made and the Committee would have agreed to a 3 way split to include the deceased member’s granddaughter.  He therefore moved and Councillor Sanders seconded to agree to share the payment of the death grant between the brother and sister to sharing the death grant between brother, sister and granddaughter, of the deceased member.  The Committee debated the merits of other splits but it was generally felt that this was the fairest way forward.

RESOLVED:(on a motion by Councillor Kevin Bulmer, seconded by Councillor John Sanders and carried nem con) to amend their decision to share the payment of the death grant between the brother and sister to sharing the death grant between brother, sister and granddaughter, of the deceased member.