Decision Session - Executive Member for Finance and Performance in Consultation with The Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods (for Agenda Items 4 - Approval Of Financial Inclusion Grant Scheme Awards 2021/22, 5 - Council Tax Hardship Fund 2021/22 and 6 - Extension Of Winter Grants Funding)
Set out below is a summary of the decisions taken at the meeting of the Decision Session Executive Member for Finance and Performance held on Monday, 15 March 2021. The wording used does not necessarily reflect the actual wording that will appear in the minutes.
Members are reminded that, should they wish to call in a decision, notice must be given to Democracy Support Group no later than 4pm on the second working day after this meeting.
If you have any queries about any matters referred to in this decision sheet please contact AngelaBielby, Democracy Officer.
4. Approval of Financial Inclusion Grant Scheme Awards 2021/22
Resolved: That approval be given to the award of £113,276 of grants to fund the following seven projects to deliver financial inclusion activities in the city:
1. £5,818 to the Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY) Benefits Advocacy project to provide advocacy support to help with applications, assessments and appeals
2. £13,229 to the Citizens’ Advice York Financial Inclusion at GP surgeries project to continue to develop co-ordinated advice work located in GP practices.
3. £5,385 to the Citizens’ Advice York Financial Inclusion in the Traveller Community project to work with the Travellers Trust to deliver and co-ordinate advice services to the Gypsy & Traveller community.
4. £25,057 to the Peasholme Charity My Money, My Life project to continue the delivery if its financial capability pathway service
5. £13,900 to the Welfare Benefits Unit advice Extra project to extend the reach of services to underpin first tier advisors in responding to more complex cases.
6. £19,262 to the Experience Counts 50+ Project to deliver four employment related programmes to residents aged 50+
7. £30,625 to Changing Lives for a Financial & Social Inclusion Worker to support vulnerable and hard to reach residents to gain financial independence
Reason: To ensure that funds set aside to support the delivery of financial inclusion activity are allocated appropriately.
5. Council Tax Hardship Fund 2021/22
Resolved: That approval be given to option 1 to award £75 per Council Tax Support Customer for 2021-22 as set out in paragraph 12 of the report.
Reason: To provide financial support to the councils most financially vulnerable residents in managing the ongoing impacts of the covid-19 pandemic.
6. Extension of Winter Grants Scheme
Resolved: That approval be given to:
a) Extending the Winter Grants scheme through to 16th April 2021 with an estimated additional cost to the council of approx. £5k above the £200k set out in Februarys report and as set out at Table 2.
b) Limit the April Winter Support Grant payments to 16th April rather than a full monthly payment as set out at paragraph 11.
c) Delegate any decision to spend above the revised £205k to the councils section 151 officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance & Performance as set out at paragraph 13.
Reason: To provide financial support to the city’s most financially vulnerable residents through the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.