Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: April 17, 2025

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to provide an outline of the proposed spending for the DWP Household Support Fund April 2025 – March 2026 and seek approval

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought approval to accept and spend the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund grant April 2025 – March 2026.   The Public Health Development Manager was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council had overseen substantial expenditure to support communities in greatest need. This had come mainly from Government funding through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Most recently, this funding had been through the DWP’s Household Support Fund (HSF).   On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer had announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further twelve months, from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.   On 4th March 2025, the Head of the Local Authority Partnership from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had informed the Council of the final details of the HSF programme, including the amount for the borough and the guidance.   Rochdale Borough had received £4,119,569.63 to be spent between April 2025 and March 2026. This was a reduction of £555,198 from what Rochdale Council would usually receive, I.E.: £4,674,768 every 12 months.   The funding could be used to support households, who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills, or meet other essential living or housing costs. The fund could also be used to provide supplementary signposting advice and support.   The Officer continued informing that consultation had recently taken place with key partners and portfolio holders for Communities and Cooperation, Children’s Services and Corporate and Finance. A package of support had been recommended, building on previous funding allocations and targeted to reach people in greatest need. Six programmes had been proposed: 1) Targeted support for low-income families through the provision of food e-vouchers during school holidays, 2) Local Household Fund, 3) Warm Homes, 4)Support for the borough’s food network, digital assistance and essential items, 5)Prevention work in the food network and other key community venues and 6) Christmas Toy Appeal.   Cabinet Members noted the outline of the proposed spending for the DWP Household Support Fund April 2025 – March 2026.       Resolved: 1.    That the DWP Household Support Fund grant April 2025 – March 2026 be accepted; 2.    That the six programmes for DWP Household Support Fund spending April 2025 – March 2026, as outlined in the report be noted and agreed; 3.    That delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health and Communities in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to spend the funding in line with the six programmes outlined in the report; 4.    That delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health and Communities to move funding between the different programmes of work to ensure effective spending and delivery.   Reason for decision: Cabinet was required to agree on how the HSF would be spent as the Government was expecting local authorities to start distributing HSF in April 2025.   Alternatives considered and rejected: Although the grant funding, if accepted, could be spent on alternative suitable projects, it was not considered that there were any such alternatives available with the equivalent reach and impact.