Decision details

Household Support Fund April 1st 2025 to March 31st 2026

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

As part of a number of measures to provide help with global inflationary challenges and the significantly rising cost of living, the Household Support Fund (HSF) has been extended from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Authorities are required to send a delivery plan to DWP by 30th May 2025 which outlines their intentions for The Fund. As in previous rounds it is intended that vouchers are provided to families with children in receipt of free school meals for the school holidays. The cabinet meeting to approve the overall programme is scheduled for April 8th 2024. However, school Easter holidays commences on the 14th April. A delegated decision has been sought to release £140,640 to pay for the vouchers during this holiday period as schools will need confirmation in advance of the date of the Cabinet meeting.

Decision:

To release £140,640 to provide vouchers for families with children in receipt of free school meals for the half term holiday commencing 14th April 2025

To allow for a significant element of the Household Support Fund to be provided in advance of Cabinet approval.

Alternative options considered:

N/A

Publication date: 27/03/2025

Date of decision: 18/03/2025