Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 24, 2024

Purpose:

Content: The Chair accepted as an item of urgent business the DWP Household Support Fund October 2024 – March 2025 Proposal.   If Cabinet did not urgently consider this matter, there would be a pause in all programmes of support funded by the Household Support Fund, including the provision of free school meals and the food vouchers over October half term for all eligible children.   The Public Health Specialist was in attendance to present a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities / Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation which sought approval to accept a further six-month tranche of the Housing Support Fund to be spent between October 2024 and March 2025. The report also outlined the proposed spending of the grant to reach people in greatest need.   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 2nd September 2024, the Secretary of State had announced that there would be a further six-month tranche of HSF to be spent between October 2024 and March 2025.   The total funding nationally was the same as previous tranches of funding and the Council expected to receive the same amount as the current six months (April 2024 – Sept 2024): £2,337,383.85. However, the Government would confirm the exact amount in due course.   The Council was also awaiting final guidance on eligible spend, but it was expected to be the same as previously; 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.   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. Seven programmes had been proposed. These were:   a.    Targeted support for low-income families through the provision of food e-vouchers during school holidays b.    Household Assistance Fund c.    Warm Homes d.    Support for the borough’s food network, digital assistance, and essential items   e.    Prevention work in the food network, schools and warm spaces f.     Employment Support g.    Christmas Toy Appeal   Resolved: 1.    That the HSF grant be accepted; 2.    That the seven programmes for DWP Household Support Fund spending October 24 – March 2025, as outlined in this report be approved; 3.    That the Director of Public Health and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation be given delegated authority to spend the funding in line with the seven programmes listed below; 4.    That the Director of Public Health and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation be given delegated authority 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 by 1st October 2024.  In particular, funding needed to be agreed upon so that arrangements could be made to provide targeted support for low-income families through the provision of food e-vouchers during the school holidays in October 2024.   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.