Consideration has been given to proposals for the distribution of the Household Support Fund for the period 1^st April 2022 to 30^th September 2022.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included placing more reliance on the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector to distribute the funds.

RESOLVED -

That the proposed allocation of the funding as set out in the report be approved and including:

·        support for low income families identified through free school meals and by direct referrals from professional partners

·        a grant to the Jewish Community Council, recognising the Jewish community does not access free school meal provision

·        support for older people identified through Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit and by direct referrals professional partners

·        the creation of a Warm Space Network and Energy Road Shows

·        claiming a 5% administration fee from which 2 full time equivalent (FTE) Grade D posts will be recruited to support the referral process.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

Targeting the groups identified will meet our Thrive policy objectives.

(B)

Creating the Warm Space Network and supporting the Energy Roadshows will provide a legacy beyond the Household Support Fund.