Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report from the Operational Director – Finance which provided an update regarding the delivery of the Government’s Household Support Fund allocation of £2.6m from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. 

          The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had issued guidance that included the requirement that part of the funding must be distributed via an application process, although the Council could still proactively target particular groups of households.

          A spending plan had been prepared and was attached as Appendix A.  It was noted that £365,00 had been allocated to the Discretionary Support Scheme within the Benefits Division to process applications.

Appendix B of the report contained detailed information relating to spending for the period 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023.  This included expenditure from partner organisations including Halton Citizens Advice Bureau, Runcorn Foodbank, Widnes Foodbank, Affordable Warmth, Holiday Activity Food Programme and Halton Voluntary Action.        

RESOLVED: That

1)    progress with delivery of the Household Support Fund, as outlined in the report, be noted; and

2)    a further progress report be brought to the next meeting of the Board.