Decision details

Reason forRecommendations:

·      It is recommended that the Household Support Fund (3) is directed to funding to a lower income sector of the working community, and families with children.

·      The recommended option seeks to support eligible families, who have children receiving Free School Meals, through the School Holiday Food awards from October until the end of the scheme

·      The option also provides alignment to community engagement activity, community hubs, food banks and support for winter emergencies
 

 Alternative Options Considered – The Council could choose not to draw down the funds, but this is not recommended as many vulnerable residents would miss additional support at a time when there are increased concerns regarding the cost-of-living increases. In choosing to draw down the funds and by applying the DWP guidelines and local insights there are three options in terms of distribution of funding to the community, 1) through a highly distributed network, 2) via simplified segmentation, or 3) to the lower income sector. For the reasons set out in section 5 of the report, ‘Issues and Choices’, option 3 is recommended.