Decision details

Purpose of Report: To approve the renewed Service Level Agreement with the Welfare Benefits Unit. To receive an update on the Financial Inclusion Steering Group (FISG) 2022/23 grant scheme. Any other updates and decisions pertinent to financial inclusion and the ongoing pandemic.

The Executive Member will be asked to consult with the joint portfolio holder for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods, to approve the Welfare Benefits SLA , note the FISG grant scheme update and make decisions and/or note updates relating to any other emerging pandemic financial inclusion related matters.

Resolved:

                     i.        That the Service Level Agreement for the Welfare Benefits Unit at Annex A for a period of 3 years 2022 to 2025 at a cost of £22,700 per year (as detailed in paragraphs 3-6 of the report) be approved;

                    ii.        That the criteria and progress of the 2022/23 FISG grant scheme including the approvals of awards at the next Executive Member Decision Session for Finance & Performance on 16 March 2022 (as detailed in see paragraphs 7-12 of the report) be noted;

                  iii.        That £39k funding for a Community Involvement Officer role to deliver actions relating to food poverty priorities in the city be approved.  This will be funded from the existing York Financial Assistance Scheme Emergency Fund for one year  (as detailed in see paragraphs 13-17  and 26 of the report);

                  iv.        That the use of funding previously agreed by Executive on 30 September for a 100% Digital York Project Co-ordinator, over an 18 month period rather than a year (as detailed in see paragraph 18 and 19 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 and approvals.