Poverty and the effects of poverty, particularly on children and young people, present some of the biggest challenges for the district and its residents.

The Interim Director Corporate Resources will submit a report (Document “BF”) which sets out proposals to change the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme so that it continues to work effectively as a safety net for the Districts most vulnerable.

Recommended –

That Executive

(1)       Approve the revisions to the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme as        set out in Sections 3.4 to 3.12 to Document “BF” inclusive and         instruct the Strategic Director Corporate Resource to implement    the revised scheme from 1 April 2018.

(2)       Asks the Strategic Director Corporate Resource, in conjunction            with the Portfolio Holder, to review the operation and      effectiveness of the 2018/19 Local Welfare Assistance Scheme         and, if necessary, make further proposals to develop the scheme.

(3)       Request that the Anti-Poverty Coordination Group explores ways         of deepening the District’s understanding of poverty and the   impact it has on individuals and families to inform the design,          coordination and targeting of support activity.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

(Martin Stubbs - 01274 432056)

Poverty and the effects of poverty, particularly on children and young people, present some of the biggest challenges for the district and its residents.

The Interim Director Corporate Resources submitted a report (Document “BF”) which set out proposals to change the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme so that it continued to work effectively as a safety net for the districts most vulnerable.

The Assistant Director Revenues, Benefits and Payroll explained the proposed changes in more detail, stating that the Government had made a number of significant changes to the welfare system over a number of years,  and that the Council’s aim through the various schemes it operated, was to provide a safety net to the most vulnerable in the district and at the same mitigate some of the effects of the welfare changes.

The report set out in detail the schemes currently operating, with the intention to modify a number of these schemes and thereby increase take up of the help being offered.

In relation to the Assisted Purchases Scheme the intention was to modify the scheme so that the supply of white goods would also include the cost of installation, as many residents were finding it difficult to pay for this additional service.  In addition there would also be a buy now pay later element added to the scheme over time, which would again encourage take up of the scheme.

The Fuel Support Scheme would be amended to make the scheme more inclusive; avoid disconnections and ensure arrears were cleared.  Residents would continue to get support via the advice centres which would encourage people to switch energy suppliers and access cheaper tariffs.

The Assistant Director also alluded to the discussions that will be undertaken with the Food Banks in the provision of essential non food items, which had been identified as a need.

The Leader welcomed the report and the proposed changes and the need to use the money to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly in the context of the austerity measures and government cuts in welfare funding, and she hoped that the modifications to the schemes would encourage greater take up, particular in relation to the installation of white goods and switching energy suppliers.

In response the Assistant Director stated that the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee had also looked at the various schemes at a recent meeting and had suggested the need to strengthen the advice network to ensure people got the appropriate help and support.

The Neighbourhoods and Community Safety Portfolio Holder stated that he chaired the Anti Poverty Action Group and that he welcomed the initiatives and the need to help the most vulnerable was crucial in order to alleviate poverty, and to this end the work with partners was a vital element of this.

The Leader in welcoming the partnership working, stressed the need to review the effectiveness of the schemes as well as the need to involve users in its design.

Resolved –

(1)       That the revisions to the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme as set         out in Sections 3.4 to 3.12 to Document “BF” inclusive be     approved and that the Interim Director Corporate Resources be       instructed to implement the revised scheme from 1 April 2018.

(2)       That the Interim Director Corporate Resources, in conjunction   with the Portfolio Holder be asked to review the operation and        effectiveness of the 2018/19 Local Welfare Assistance Scheme         and, if necessary, make further proposals to develop the scheme.

(3)       That the Anti-Poverty Coordination Group  be requested to         explore ways of deepening the District’s understanding of poverty           and the impact it has on individuals and families to inform the     design, coordination and targeting of support activity.

ACTION:       Interim Director Corporate Resources

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate