The Strategy and Resources Policy Committee of Bristol City Council held its first meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024. Key decisions included the approval of the Household Support Fund Policy and the procurement of payment vouchers to assist low-income households. The committee also reviewed the Council's financial performance for the 2023-2024 financial year.

Household Support Fund Policy

The committee approved the Household Support Fund Policy for April to September 2024, allocating £4 million to support vulnerable households with the cost of food, energy, water bills, and other essentials. The funding will be distributed through various channels, including free school meal vouchers, discretionary housing payments, and support for care leavers and foster children. The committee noted the challenges posed by the six-month funding period and discussed potential contingencies for the summer holidays.

Procurement of Payment Vouchers

The committee approved the procurement of a contract to provide food, supermarket, and fuel vouchers worth up to £5 million per year for three years. This contract aims to assist low-income households through various services, including the Local Crisis Prevention Fund and homelessness assistance. The committee discussed the importance of ensuring the vouchers are accessible and can be used at a variety of retailers, including independent and culturally diverse shops.

Financial Performance 2023-2024

The committee reviewed the Council's financial performance for the 2023-2024 financial year, noting a balanced budget achieved through the use of reserves and provisions for inflation. Key points included:

• A £2.2 million underspend within the Housing Revenue Account.
• An £18.9 million overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant, mitigated by a £21.5 million contribution from the Department for Education's safety valve programme.
• A £42.1 million underspend in the capital programme, which will be re-profiled into future years.
• The delivery of £12 million in planned savings, with ongoing pressures identified in areas such as homelessness, children's services, and adult social care.

The committee also discussed the importance of a one-council approach to address these financial challenges and the need for a coordinated effort to deliver savings and improve service delivery.

Equity and Inclusion Annual Report

The committee noted the Equity and Inclusion Annual Report for 2023-2024, which highlighted the Council's efforts to comply with statutory obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. Key achievements included the re-establishment of governance structures related to equity and inclusion, the development of a new workforce strategy, and various community support initiatives.

Performance Framework and Business Plan 2024-2025

The committee reviewed the Performance Framework and Business Plan for 2024-2025, which set out the Council's key commitments and performance targets for the next financial year. The committee discussed the importance of aligning these plans with the new committee governance system and ensuring robust performance reporting.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote on all key decisions and a commitment to continue addressing the financial and social challenges facing the Council.