Decision details

This paper will update Executive members on:

financial inclusion (FI) activity during the financial year 2019/20 including delivery of FI grant schemes;
financial inclusion (FI) activity during 2020/21 to date including delivery of FI grant schemes, focussing particularly on the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic and related activities;
for these periods an update on benefits statistics and performance as administered by the council including the York Financial Assistance Scheme, latterly enhanced by additional hardship funding provided by the council;
any ongoing impact of welfare benefits changes in York, including Universal Credit and importantly the support available for residents in dealing with this and Covid-19 challenges;
any necessary recommendations and decisions around the annual Financial Inclusion Grants Scheme for 2021/22.

The Executive member in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods will be asked to note the contents of the report and approve any decisions in relation to the 2021/22 Financial Inclusion Grant Scheme.

Resolved:

a)   That the report and the progress made in supporting residents who are financially vulnerable be noted.

b)   That the commencement of the 2021/22 Financial Inclusion grants scheme as described in paragraph54 of the report be approved.

Reason:     To ensure Councillors, residents and stakeholder groups are aware of the ongoing financial inclusion activity across the city and use of associated funding including covid-19 support and to be updated on welfare benefits changes and their impacts.