Decision details

RESOLVED:

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)     Noted that the Household Support Fund (2) investment to be managed locally

b)     Approved the Recommended Scope and Diversity of Distribution as set out in section 4

c)      Approved the control and oversight approach through a central operational team

Reasons for Recommendations:

·      The distribution of funds must meet the wider communities’ financial needs, where other grants and funding are not available

·      Where possible the level of duplication of grants for the same purpose must be minimised which is why the in-house team is recommended

·      It provides real benefit to underpin the Public Health Wellbeing Programme and aligns to the Recovery and Wellbeing Programme

·      The recommended course of action is the most cost-effective.

·      The residents of NNC will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed

Alternative Options Considered: The option not to draw down the funds was considered; however, this was discounted as many vulnerable residents would miss additional support at a time when there are increased concerns regarding the cost-of-living increases. An option to provide all households claiming Universal Credit with an additional payment from the Fund was also considered, however, as there are 20,000+ on the database the amount predicted to receive per household would be derisory to the current cost-of-living increases.