Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report:

1. To update Strategy and Resources Committee on the “Cost-of-Living Cohort Analysis” including findings on cohorts most affected by the cost-of-living crisis and financial inequalities, as requested by the Committee in April 2023;

2. To seek the Committee’s approval to spend the Household Support Fund from DWP in line with the spending plan detailed in this report and as guided by findings of the Cohort Analysis;

3. To seek this Committee’s approval to make changes to the application scheme as detailed in this report;

4. To inform the committee of future considerations and decisions that would need to be made should the Household Support Fund grant be discontinued in March 2024; and

5. To seek approval for ringfencing £700,000 that the Director of Communities will be able to use to respond flexibly to the Cost-of-Living issues

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

(a)  approves the spending plan for Free School Meal Vouchers for 23/24 as detailed in the report;

(b) approves the targeted award to households who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support but not benefits from DWP or HMRC and therefore not receiving Cost of Living payments;

(c) approves the spending plan and changes to the grant application scheme as detailed in the report;

(d) approves ringfencing of £700,000 from the Housing Support Fund that is to be used in the period July 2023 to March 2024 by the Director of Communities to respond flexibly to Cost of Living issues and; to the extent not already covered by existing delegations, delegate authority to the Director of Communities in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the General Counsel, to make decisions on spending this money in order to meet the aims and objections in this report; and

(e) notes the Household Support Fund runs ends in March 2024 with no guarantee that it will be extended beyond that point.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The recommendations presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee will enable Sheffield City Council to provide the funds to support vulnerable households in the city to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials through the cost-of-living crisis.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

This report provides a detailed proposal and delivery that officers, in consultation with elected members, believe to be the best way of delivering the Household Support Fund.

9.1

The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report:

1. To update Strategy and Resources Committee on the “Cost-of-Living Cohort Analysis” including findings on cohorts most affected by the cost-of-living crisis and financial inequalities, as requested by the Committee in April 2023;

2. To seek the Committee’s approval to spend the Household Support Fund from DWP in line with the spending plan detailed in this report and as guided by findings of the Cohort Analysis;

3. To seek this Committee’s approval to make changes to the application scheme as detailed in this report;

4. To inform the committee of future considerations and decisions that would need to be made should the Household Support Fund grant be discontinued in March 2024; and

5. To seek approval for ringfencing £700,000 that the Director of Communities will be able to use to respond flexibly to the Cost-of-Living issues

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

(a)  approves the spending plan for Free School Meal Vouchers for 23/24 as detailed in the report;

(b) approves the targeted award to households who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support but not benefits from DWP or HMRC and therefore not receiving Cost of Living payments;

(c) approves the spending plan and changes to the grant application scheme as detailed in the report;

(d) approves ringfencing of £700,000 from the Housing Support Fund that is to be used in the period July 2023 to March 2024 by the Director of Communities to respond flexibly to Cost of Living issues and; to the extent not already covered by existing delegations, delegate authority to the Director of Communities in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the General Counsel, to make decisions on spending this money in order to meet the aims and objections in this report; and

(e) notes the Household Support Fund runs ends in March 2024 with no guarantee that it will be extended beyond that point.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The recommendations presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee will enable Sheffield City Council to provide the funds to support vulnerable households in the city to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials through the cost-of-living crisis.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

This report provides a detailed proposal and delivery that officers, in consultation with elected members, believe to be the best way of delivering the Household Support Fund.