Purpose

To outline how the Council will
support residents with Government funding that has been provided
for the Household fund. The total award for Blackpool is
£1.745m for the period 1st April –
30th September 2024.
 

Decision

To agree that a number of
processes and schemes as outlined below will be implemented to
ensure that the fund will support the most vulnerable residents and
to meet the overall fund requirements. The budget allocations are
based on current estimates and may need revision as the projects
progress. This is because the number of children eligible for free
school meals will fluctuate, and this accounts for the majority of
the proposed spend.
 

1.    
Targeted help:
 
Extension to free school meals
Families eligible for free
school meals will continue to receive support during school
holidays. Eligible families will receive vouchers that will be
distributed by schools. Vouchers will be issued at the rate of
£15 per week for each child entitled to free school
meals.

Total estimated budget £1,200,000
 
Care
leavers
Vouchers will be provided for the council’s care leavers
primarily to help with the increased cost of food.

Total estimated budget £45,000
 
Other council
schemesTargeted support for
residents via Social Care, Family Hub schemes etc. Council services
will be able to provide short term support to residents that may be
struggling with the cost of food etc

Total estimated budget £120,000
 
Voluntary Sector Schemes
The potential for voluntary
sector schemes will be considered if the budget permits later in
the period.

Total estimated budget £100,000
 
2.    
Application and criteria based
help
 
Discretionary
support scheme
Application based for residents facing hardship with energy bills,
food etc. Residents will be able to apply for a payment to help
with their power and water utility bills.

There is a mandatory requirement in the funding conditions for an
application based scheme to be in place. Payments will normally be
made direct to the utility provider.
 
Total estimated budget
£200,000
 
3.    
Contingency and administration
expenses
The terms of the funding allow
for contingency and administration expenses

Total estimated budget £80,000