Purpose

To seek Cabinet Member approval to utilise Community Resilience Funding to deliver a coordinated Warm Spaces approach across Derbyshire.

Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety approves grant funding of £0.220m from the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) to administer the Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Spaces programme (1 Oct 2026 to 31 March 2027).

Reasons for the decision

Will establish a clear administration partner for the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Programme. DVA has a proven track record of administrating the Warm and Welcoming Spaces programme across Derbyshire and is already embedded within the local voluntary and community sector infrastructure. Appointing DVA to administrate the fund will ensure continuity of delivery, minimise mobilisation requirements and maximise the impact of CRF investment.

Will enable the provision of grant funding from CRF to local VCFSE organisations delivering Warm Spaces across Derbyshire and support delivery of the resilience objectives of the CRF.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do Nothing - This is not the preferred option. This would significantly reduce the Council's ability to achieve the resilience objectives of the Crisis and Resilience Fund and reduce support available to residents experiencing financial hardship. It will reduce support available to residents in the winter months.

Option 2: Seek an alternative provider. This is not the preferred option as DVA has successfully fulfilled this role on behalf of the Council for the previous two years and have the infrastructure and experience required to continue delivery. Appointing an alternative provider could delay implementation and reduce programme effectiveness.

Option 3: Administer grants in house at DCC. This is not the preferred option. This would require additional capacity and staffing resource within DCC. DVA are also well connected with VCSE organisations across Derbyshire to administrate the grants on our behalf.