Purpose

To seek approval in relation to the proposed
spend of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April
2024 to 30 September 2024.
 
On 6 March 2024 in the Spring
Budget the Chancellor announced that the Household Support Fund
(HSF) would be extended for a further six months, from 1 April 2024
to 30 September 2024, with a further £421m of funding. 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 HSF5 are outlined
above 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(s):

 

(1) 
The contents of the report be noted;
 

(2) 
the proposed expenditure allocations as per
paragraph 1.5 of this report be approved which will be fully funded
by £2,435,111 grant from the Housing Support Fund (HSF) for
the period 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024;
 

(3) 
That the Assistant Director People (Communities) be
authorised to distribute the Household Support Fund allocated to
Sefton by the UK Government in line with the plan.

 
Reasons for the Decision(s):
 
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: (including any
Risk Implications)
 
None