Issue - meetings

This report provides details on the Financial Inclusion/Welfare Benefits outturn report for 2024/25 and ongoing work in 2025/26.

Resolved:

                         i.         Noted and comment on the details of the report regarding providing support to residents affected by the impacts of the continuing high cost of living;

                        ii.         Delegated any decision-making relating to the Government’s expected Crisis and Resilience Fund (details awaited) requirements to the Director of Finance (s151) in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion.

Reason:     To ensure councillors, residents and stakeholder groups are aware of the ongoing financial inclusion activity across the city. To ensure the council reacts quickly to any new government.

Officers introduced the report highlighting the work the Council has undertaken and the impact this has had working alongside the community voluntary sector. Officers noted that they were seeking the Executive Members to note the support provided to residents to date and agree to delegate any decision-making relating to the Government’s expected Crisis and Resilience Fund. Officers also noted that in the future they hoped-for longer-term funding from Government to give more certainty and the opportunity for greater planning around support.

The Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion and the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education thanked officers and partners for the important services that they provided to support people. The Executive Member noted that the widening levels of inequality in our society was a national scandal which meant the kinds of support the Council provided was important. The Executive Member made particular note of the school holiday support which provided activities to young people and children, as well as, providing balanced meals outside of school term time. The Executive Member welcomed the strong partnership work the Council was engaged with and hoped to see even greater outcomes with partners as the Council moved towards a Local Neighborhood Support Model.

Resolved:

                         i.         Noted and comment on the details of the report regarding providing support to residents affected by the impacts of the continuing high cost of living;

                        ii.         Delegated any decision-making relating to the Government’s expected Crisis and Resilience Fund (details awaited) requirements to the Director of Finance (s151) in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion.

Reason:     To ensure councillors, residents and stakeholder groups are aware of the ongoing financial inclusion activity across the city. To ensure the council reacts quickly to any new government.