Decision

Decision
 
For the reasons set out in the report and its
appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree to:
 

i) 
Accept the Council’s allocation of the Household Support Fund
of £5,885,232.

ii) 
Agree to the distribution of the Household Support Fund of
£5,885,232 (to be spent from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026)
via the approach as set out in Appendix 1.

iii) 
Authorise the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and
Culture in consultation with the Lead Member for Inclusive Economy
and Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, to commence and
undertake the roll out of the fund through the Our Newham service,
to ensure delivery to residents most in need, by 31 March 2026.
 
Alternatives
Considered
 

a) 
Officers have suggested the distribution of funds as set out in
appendix 1 as the most preferred approach.

b) 
Although this is a discretionary grant, there is guidance which
restricts the use of the funding. The DWP guidance states that
‘Authorities have the ability to deliver the scheme through a
variety of routes including providing vouchers to households,
making direct provision of food, or issuing grants to third
parties. Authorities have the local ties and knowledge, making them
best placed to identify and help those most in need’.

c) 
Given the timescales and the significant grant amount we need to
identity a suitable distribution method to suit Newham.

d) 
 We have explored 3 distribution
options.

e) 
Firstly - A direct claims approach to the Council where residents
are informed of the fund and the eligibility criteria and they
simply send in a claim.

f) 
This approach is not preferred – there are many disadvantages
including danger of high demand and a slow response time from LBN
with possible reputational damage. Residents may not be aware of
the fund or how to apply.

g) 
Secondly - Outsource the distribution function to a commercial
provider. This approach is not preferred because it is a
potentially more expensive and time consuming option requiring a
significant procurement approach which would allow at best only
limited operational time within the distribution period. The
provider would likely have no local specialist knowledge, and again
it would represent only one route to reach the most vulnerable,
seldom engaged residents. It would fail to take advantage of
partners in the VCFS who have a track record in working with the
Council to distribute hardship funds. The fund would also need to
be used to pay a commercial provider which would mean less funding
to be distributed.

h) 
Thirdly - a cross departmental and cross partner approach led by
Our Newham that enhances additional Council led hardship funds, but
also works with a number of departments within the Council and VCFS
to give a variety of routes to reach the most vulnerable, seldom
engaged residents as quickly and efficiently as possible. As the
funding must be distributed by 31 March 2026, this represents the
most efficient time and effective delivery model.

i) 
This paper recommends the third option - creating a system that
identifies and reaches our most vulnerable residents matching
demand, supply and speed of distribution optimally whilst working
closely with many valued partners.