Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Finance.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the adoption of the proposed Economic Vulnerability Fund scheme to provide crisis support to low income residents through to the end of March 2024.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which sought Member agreement for the dispersal of funding from the Economic Vulnerability Fund, which would operate in support with the Household Support Fund to provide additional care to low-income households where additional unmet needs were identified.

Particular reference was made to the use of redistributed underspent Covid wellbeing money, which had been returned from Devon County Council and would be used to support Household Support Fund scheme until March 2024. The priority groups for support were outlined in the report presented at the meeting.

During the discussion the Members welcomed the report and highlighted the importance in supporting residents who might have been missed in previous schemes. Members also welcomed advertising the fund to ensure residents were aware of it.

In response to a question from a Member, the Benefits & Welfare Lead confirmed that an application route would be communicated as soon as it was available.

The Portfolio Holder for Council Housing Development and Support Services expressed her thanks to the officers for the work that had been undertaken on bringing the Economic Vulnerability Fund forward.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the adoption of the proposed Economic Vulnerability Fund scheme to provide crisis support to low income residents through to the end of March 2024.