Decision details

Purpose of Report: To outline the proposed scheme extension following the Government announcing additional funding on the 2nd March for the Winter Support Grants to 16th April.

The Executive Member is asked to approval for the schemes extension.

It has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make this decision, This is due to notification from Government was only received on 2nd March 2021 about the extension of the Winter Support Grant.

Resolved: That approval be given to:

a)   Extending the Winter Grants scheme through to 16^th 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 16^th 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.