Minutes

11      HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND - The Director: Governance and Communities submitted a report informing the Cabinet Members of the outcomes of the Household Support Fund Scheme (Winter 2021/22) in North Lincolnshire and seeking approval of an enhanced delivery model following the government’s announced extension of the scheme.

The council recognised the different ways that Covid-19 and recent cost of living rises had impacted upon individuals, families and households.  Working alongside partners and the community, the council had ensured that a strong offer of support had been provided to the most vulnerable people in North Lincolnshire, including those in employment and on low incomes.

This support had included help with food and other essential household bills, funded through a number of government schemes including the Defra Emergency Support Grant, Covid-19 Winter Grant and subsequent Local Support Grant.  This had included the direct provision of food vouchers to families with the lowest incomes and children entitled to Free School Meals, alongside a welfare assistance scheme open to any household experiencing acute financial hardship.

On 6 October 2021 the government announced the launch of a £421 million Household Support Fund to support those most in need over the winter during the economic recovery, covering the period 6 October to 31 March 2022.  Councils were given discretion to use the funding flexibly, with the expectation that it was primarily used to support households in the most immediate need with food, energy, water and other essential household bills.  In exceptional cases of genuine emergency it could additionally be used to support housing costs where existing housing support schemes did not meet this exceptional need.

The scope of the fund was wider than previous schemes and included both families with children as well as individuals of all ages including people who were in work and experiencing hardship.  The delivery model for the grant was approved by Cabinet Members and launched in North Lincolnshire on 29 November 2021 (minute 1 refers).

The Chancellor recently announced that a further £421m would be made available to councils in England to support those most in need to help with significantly rising living costs.  This funding covered the period 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022.  As with previous schemes councils had discretion on exactly how this funding was used within the scope set out in the grant conditions and guidance.  The expectation was that it should primarily be used to support households in the most need particularly those including children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy bills, food and water bills.

The report set out details of the proposed local delivery framework for the Spring and Summer scheme.

Resolved – (a) That the outcomes arising from the conclusion of the Household Support Fund Scheme in North Lincolnshire be noted, and (b) that the proposed enhanced Spring and Summer Household Support Fund delivery model, as set out in the report and accompanying appendix, for the extended period to September 2022, be approved.