The Poverty Working Panel of East Devon Council met on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss updates to the terms of reference, the work programme for 2024-2025, timelines for updating the poverty strategy, and the potential for a voluntary sector anti-poverty event. Key decisions included approving the updated terms of reference and the work programme, as well as planning for an anti-poverty event in the autumn.

Updates to the Terms of Reference

Libby Jarrett, Assistant Director of Revenue and Benefits, presented the updated terms of reference for the Poverty Working Panel. The revisions aim to provide more clarity on the panel's purpose, objectives, and outcomes. The panel voted to recommend these updates to the cabinet.

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What we try to do is very much update them to reflect where we are now, to provide more clarity on purpose, and objectives and outcomes of the Poverty Panel. - Libby Jarrett

Work Programme for 2024-2025

Councillor Dan Ledger introduced the proposed work programme for the upcoming year, emphasizing the need for the panel to focus on outcomes and benefits rather than being a talking shop. The programme was approved, with the understanding that it would remain under review to adapt to changing circumstances.

Timelines for Updating the Poverty Strategy

Libby Jarrett outlined the need to update the current poverty strategy, which runs until 1 July. The updated strategy will be brought to the next Poverty Panel meeting in October. Key drivers for the update include aligning with the new council plan, incorporating lessons learned over the past four years, and focusing on place-based financial resilience.

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It's important we've got an evidence-based strategy. We need to reflect on our learning over the past four years. - Libby Jarrett

Voluntary Sector Anti-Poverty Event

The panel discussed organizing a voluntary sector anti-poverty event in the autumn to coincide with the first anniversary of the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. The event aims to facilitate networking between community groups, raise awareness of the updated strategy, and highlight the council's efforts to reduce poverty. The panel approved the proposal, with Councillor Dan Ledger likely to chair the event.

Household Support Fund Update

Sharon Church, Benefits and Financial Resilience Manager, provided an update on the Household Support Fund (HSF). The fund has been instrumental in assisting low-income households, with 1,358 households receiving payments. The panel noted the importance of continuing this support, especially given the uncertainty of future funding.

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The Household Support Fund has been a brilliant resource to have, and it's helped so many families who would be defined as kind of in hidden poverty. - Councillor Simon Smith

Public Health Strategy

Helen Wharam, Public Health Project Officer, presented the East Devon District Council's Public Health Strategy 2024-2027. The strategy aims to support healthy living in healthy places and aligns closely with the panel's work on poverty. The strategy's priorities include addressing the cost of living crisis, mental health, and homelessness.

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The point of the public health strategy is primarily to support our officers and our members. And I really hope it's helpful for you. - Helen Wharam

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the printed minutes of the meeting.