Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Chief Executive requesting that consideration be given to a programme of support to deliver the fifth extension of the Government funded Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The submitted report stated that 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) would be extended from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025; the objective of the fund was to provide crisis support to vulnerable households in most need of support; Darlington’s allocation was £913,853.75, which was the same level as the last extension; as the current programme was being delivered effectively, meeting spend and output targets it was proposed that the new programme would take forward most elements of that programme; and that a programme aimed at maximising household incomes would also be included using the Low Income Family Tracker targeting groups identified as requiring particular attention.

It was reported that as the submission date for the delivery plan to be submitted to the DWP was 1November2024, and that a submission had been made on the basis of the submitted report, with any amendments required following Cabinet’s consideration to be made subsequently.

Particular references were made at the meeting to the poverty levels in Darlington; the need for the fund to help those people that were struggling; the cut to winter fuel payments to pensioners; the pension credits that weren’t currently being claimed by pensioners in Darlington; and the alternatives available to the government to fund the deficit.  The Leader of the Council responded thereon.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the proposed programme and estimated costings of the Household Support Fund, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio, to amend funding pots as necessary, to ensure full utilisation of the grant within the time period.

(c)  That it be noted that no revisions were made to the submission.

REASONS  - (a)  To address the criteria laid down in the guidance.

(b)  In order to secure the grant funding.