Purpose

To seek approval for an early provision of support to low income households in Derbyshire facing high heating oil and LPG costs in line with the extra funding issued by UK Government
 

Decision

That the Leader of the Council:

a)     approves grant funding of up to £0.150m to Rural Action Derbyshire (RAD) until 31 September 2026 to administer Crisis and Resilience Fund payments to enable the early provision of heating oil and LPG support to low income and vulnerable households.

b)     notes that these are interim arrangements until the main provisions of the Crisis and Resilience Fund are implemented if formal Cabinet approval is given in May 2026. 

Reasons for the decision

Making an interim plan to support vulnerable low-income households who cannot afford heating oil/LPG because of currently heightened prices will support Derbyshire households and make effective use of the additional funding offered by Government whilst the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund provision is considered by Cabinet.

Alternative options considered

Undertake a full procurement exercise
This is not considered a viable option for short term rapid support as this would take up to 18 months to undertake.
 

Undertake a procurement using the Crown Commercial Service framework
Although quicker than a full procurement exercise, this is not considered a viable option for short term rapid support as this would take time to set up. It would also not offer a consistent price across the county regardless of location.

Do not offer the support requested by the Government.
This is not considered to be a viable option because it would be a disadvantage vulnerable households and families in Derbyshire who are likely to be facing significant financial pressure. It may also put pressure on the Council’s social care services further down the line if families with children, pensioner households, and other adult households reach crisis due to their financial circumstances. Not utilising the funds would deny the Derbyshire economy and local businesses the funds and have an adverse reputational impact on the Council.