Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Decision ref

0040 2023/24

Decision date

08/11/2023

Portfolio

Corporate Services

Wards

All wards

Title

Household Support Fund 4 - Delivery Plan

Summary

To approve the Delivery Plan for the Household Support Fund 4 for the period 2023/24

Purpose

The Department of Work and Pensions requires local authorities to provide a Delivery Plan for the Household Support Fund 4 outlining the proposed use for the fund for 2023/24.

Background

The government has provided local authorities with funding, via the Household Support Fund (HSF), to provide help to residents who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs. Local authorities are expected to develop their own local schemes taking into account guidance issued by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Household Support Fund scheme (version 2) was approved by DED 0132 2022/23 in February 2023. On 30 June 2022, Cabinet approved delegations to the Chief Executive and the Executive Director of Corporate Services to amend the scheme, should it become necessary, to support any further extension to the fund and to ensure that the grant is fully spent on supporting households in need. The delivery plan is enclosed. To develop the plan, a steering group was established with representation across different council departments and included a review of the guidance, a range of local data and intelligence, and a comparison with other areas (see additional information).

Conclusion

The Department of Work and Pensions requires local authorities to provide a Delivery Plan for the Household Support Fund 4 outlining the proposed use for the fund for 2023/24. St Helens Borough Council's Deliverly Plan is enclosed as part of this decision.

Risk Implications

There are no direct risks associated with this decision. Regular monitoring including quarterly expenditure returns will be prepared to ensure that the HSF is fully utilised during the year.

Measures to Redress Risk

None

Declarations Of Interest

None

Equality Impact Assessment

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More information

Please contact Gordon Lee on 01744 675230