Purpose

This report updates the Committee on the
Council’s support for residents during the cost of living
crisis.

Content

This Committee resolved:
 
a) 
To note the continued response of the Council to
help residents and businesses through the ongoing cost of living
crisis;
 
b) 
To note the proposed allocations of £4.28m, of
which, £1.6m is funded from the Council’s Emergency
Funding Reserve, to fund the initiatives summarised in Appendix
1;
 
c) 
To note the spend to date and year end projections
for Tranche 4 of the Household Support Fund, as outlined at
paragraphs 29 to 35; and agree in principle to fund any additional
cost from the Council’s Emergency Funding Reserve;
 
d) 
To note that the Government has not yet confirmed
whether a fifth tranche of Household Support Fund will be provided,
as outlined at paragraph 36. Agree in principle that if this
funding is not made available from the Government, the
Council’s Emergency Funding Reserve could fund future direct
crisis support, with specific recommendations to come to a future
Finance, Policy and Resources
Committee.
 
e) 
To agree to fund the 2023/24 Winter Fuel Grant
scheme from the Council’s Emergency Funding Reserve, forecast
at £160,000 (excluding administration costs), as outlined at
paragraph 37.
 
f) 
To note the continuing partnership approach with the
local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to deliver the
programme, as outlined at paragraphs 38 to 49.