Decision details

Purpose of Report: To review the current scheme & consider proposals for the scheme from April 2014

Members are asked to make a decision on options presented.

This decision has be deferred until the Cabinet meeting in January as further time is needed to consider consultation feedback and further discussion with stakeholders.

Resolved:           That, following consultation feedback, Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The full administration of the Financial Assistance Scheme remaining within the Council’s Benefits Service with a strengthening of advice, referrals and researching of other sources of funding.

(ii)          The Financial Inclusion Steering Group having overall control over the general distribution of the fund and the commissioning of other organisations as necessary to target specific initiatives.

(iii)        Reports to Cabinet from the FISG to be produced every year in June (Annual Report) and November (Interim Report) to update progress on financial inclusion activities with particular emphasis on the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

Reason:              To ensure ongoing improvements so there is no gap in provision of urgent financial resources available to our most vulnerable residents at times of crisis or other difficulty. To mitigate the impacts of wide ranging welfare benefits changes. To meet the priorities set down in the Council Plan and Financial Inclusion Strategy.