Purpose

To seek approval in relation to
the proposed spend of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the
period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
 
On 30 October 2024, the
Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the Household Support
Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further twelve months, from 1
April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Funding of £742 million will be
provided to enable the HSF extension in England, plus additional
funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to
be spent at their discretion, as usual. As has been done for
previous schemes, The Fund will be made available to County
Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most
in need.
 
The plans for HSF7 are outlined
below and do not significantly differ from previous HSF awards.
Once agreed the plan will be entered into the DWP delivery plan
template and require signing by both s151 Officer and Cabinet
Member.
 

Decision

Decision
 
That:
 
(1) 
the proposed expenditure allocations as per
paragraph 1.5 of this report which will be fully funded by
£4,291,811.27 grant from the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1
April 2025 to 31 March 2026 be approved; and
 
(2) 
the Assistant Director Communities be authorised to
distribute the Household Support Fund allocated to Sefton by the UK
Government in line with the plan.
 
Rationale and Evidence for the Recommendations
 
The
external revenue funds need to be allocated to various projects
that support households in need in Sefton in line with the criteria
set out by the UK Government.
 
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
 
         
None