Decision

To approve a further one-year contract with Citizens Advice West Sussex (CAWS) to continue to deliver a dedicated outreach service to assist residents who are struggling financially to maximise their income by identifying relevant welfare benefits and provide a holistic needs assessment.

To delegate authority to the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to finalise the terms and conditions of, and to approve the entering into the contract.

Reasons for the decision

Although Horsham is a relatively affluent area, there are many residents across the District that are struggling financially and are unaware of their benefit entitlements. CAWS can continue to address this gap by providing a holistic assessment of the needs of users including those on a low income and maximise their outcomes by identifying the welfare benefits they are entitled to and provide support to access and receive the correct entitlements.

Alternative options considered

This project is currently funded through a reserve fund which is due to come to an end on 30 September 2026. The Council has been awarded funding through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to assist local residents in providing services for those on low incomes to support debt reduction or manage their money more effectively. The CAWS outreach service meets the requirements for CRF funding and will enable residents to receive such support for a further year.

Purchase of an improved LIFT package and associated staffing resources were also considered for this funding but given the total amount awarded to the Council, it has been agreed to fund this through other means, and a separate report has been prepared in respect of this. The outreach service, delivered in locations where access to services is a barrier, would be an additional resource in reaching vulnerable households.