Minutes

3        SUPPORT FOR PENSIONERS – The Director: Transformation and Outcomes submitted a report providing an overview of the latest extension of the Department for Work and Pension Household Support Fund, and presenting an option on how part of this phase of the fund could be used to support pensioners affected by the recent government changes in winter fuel allowance.

The Household Support Fund (HSF) was introduced in 2021. Councils were given discretion to use the funding flexibly, with the expectation that it be primarily used to support households in the most immediate need with food, energy, water and other essential household bills. Additional allocations of HSF were made between 2022 and 2024.

A further extension of the fund, HSF6, had now been formally announced to cover the period 1 October 2024 to 30 March 2025.

The local delivery model for the fund was approved by Cabinet Members and launched in North Lincolnshire on 29 November 2021.

Members had received regular progress reports on the delivery of the schemes to provide assurance that they had been targeted towards and supported the most vulnerable and had been delivered in accordance with all associated requirements.

The council already provided an energy switching service, provided open access libraries which served as warm locations, provided packages for older people in leisure, invested in older and disabled persons free bus pass and provided free car parking.

Resolved – (a) That as part of the local delivery model for pensioners from HSF6, financial support of £200 for low income pensioner households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support but who did not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, be approved; (b) that pensioners eligible for the above also be provided access to slow cooker equipment/Air Fryer equipment, menus and the cook f4 life programme, and (c) that the council continue to provide the energy switching service, open access libraries which serve as warm locations, packages for older people in leisure, and invest in older and disabled persons free bus pass and free parking.