Agenda item

An update on the implementation of the Discretionary Support Scheme after the first three months of its operation was provided to the Board.

Members were reminded that the Discretionary Support Scheme, previously administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), was abolished by the Welfare Reform Act from April 2013.  Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants were replaced by a new service administered by the Council, which was in place and introduced in Halton in April.  The introduction of this was done to a very tight timescale and happened during a time of significant change for the Revenues and Benefits Team.  Payments from the scheme had been made against a set of criteria previously agreed with a working party whose membership was drawn from this Board.  Halton had been allocated funding over a three year period, details of which were set out in the report. 

It was noted that this funding was not ringfenced; however, the DWP stated that although they did not expect local authorities to replicate the existing scheme, it was the intention of Government that the funding would be used by Councils to provide support to vulnerable people in their area.

The Board was advised that the Working Party had requested that the core element of the current DWP scheme be retained where possible, namely: to provide assistance with living expenses due to emergencies or crisis; and to provide assistance for vulnerable people to help them return to or remain in the community, or to ease exceptional pressure on families.  In addition to this the Working Party agreed that no cash payments would be made; that no payments for fuel would be made; and that the application process be either by phone or intranet.  These characteristics of the scheme were agreed, given the need for the Council to develop a scheme within the resources available.  It was agreed that the scheme be reviewed after the first three months of its operation.

Members were referred to Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the report and advised that a total of £20,000 had been paid out of the Scheme by the end of Quarter 1.  It was reported that the decision not to pay cash had seen a dramatic reduction in payments made from the fund, which was the case with most other authorities.  Additionally, the decision not to pay fuel would also appear to have led to a reduction in applications.  It was noted that many people had been more than satisfied with the service, although feedback from external organisations had asked for consideration to be given to making payments for fuel and improving the standard of furniture and food provided.

It was suggested that a further report be submitted to the Working Party by the end of October on the options for fuel payment for further consideration.  Also the use of second hand furniture as an alternative to purchasing new furniture would be monitored and feedback given to the Working Party in October.  Members also requested that grant funding for the food banks be looked at by the Working Party.

RESOLVED:  That

1.     the report be noted; and

2.     a further paper regarding the provision of fuel be submitted to the Corporate Policy and Performance Working Party before the end of October.