Decision

That the Household Support Fund (HSF5) for 6 months from 1 October 2024 be allocated as follows:

1. Fuel support £240,000.
2. Food vouchers issued through Family Hub £30,000.
3. Care experienced young people £63,600.
4. Financial support for households with acute financial challenges (All household types, applications via partners) £145,000.
5. Households, who are liable for Council Tax and entitled to Working Age Council Tax Support at 1 October 2024: £450,000 (a £75 payment credited to their Council Tax account).
6. Essentials linked to energy and water e.g., warm clothing, ovens, for those in receipt of a disability benefit or children under 5- now funded from Welfare Support as an alternative to HSF funding, which is needed for Pensioners (para 1).
7. Provision of additional debt and benefit advice £63,750.
8. Food banks £94,000.
9. Social supermarkets £77,000.
10. Housing costs – rent in advance, where required to households who are excluded the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme as they are not in receipt of welfare benefits - now funded from Welfare Support as an alternative to HSF funding, which is needed for Pensioners (para 1).
11. Funding for a Torbay Food Alliance Coordinator Post (up to 31 March 2025) £15,000.
12. Contingency budget (will be allocated after a review of demand in December 2024) £4,707.

Reasons for the decision

To meet the grant restrictions and prioritise addressing hunger, poverty and housing for those in need within Torbay.

Alternative options considered

As set out in decision in the original Record of Decision published on 31 October 2024 – see Printed decision Household Support Fund HSF 6.pdf.