Issue - meetings

This report provides Cabinet with;

·                    As assessment of the poverty challenge in York

·                    Sets the ambition for the city in reducing poverty

·                   Details the main work programmes currently addressing poverty and

·               Identifies the work that needs to be done to bring forward further proposals for tackling poverty in York.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet:

i)             Note the statistical data provided on the extent of poverty in the city set out in the report.

ii)            Agree to the population of the city-wide framework and to the development of measures/activities to reduce poverty, to be brought back to Cabinet in June as proposals for further work.

iii)          Agree the emphasis in priority to those in poverty.

REASON:             To address the issues of fairness and equality in the city.

Consideration was give to a report which provided the Cabinet with an assessment of the poverty challenge in York, set out details for reducing poverty, the main work programmes in this area and identified additional work required to tackle these issues.

Background information on the meaning of poverty and the national and local picture were set out at paragraphs 5 to 28 of the report. With the following three themes proposed for ongoing work:

·               Strategic poverty prevention.

·               Work programmes for those most at risk of poverty.

·               Work targeting those currently in poverty.

Although the Council was currently addressing some of these issues in the larger work programmes, priority needed to be given to assisting those already in poverty and options for this would form part of a report to Cabinet in June.

The Leader thanked York Press for raising awareness of the effects of the welfare reforms on residents of the city. With limited public resources the reported outlined how the authority could work together with partners to make a difference to the most vulnerable.

All Members went on to acknowledge the importance of this work to improve the lives of many in the city.

Following further lengthy discussion, it was

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet:

i)             Note the statistical data provided on the extent of poverty in the city set out in the report.

ii)            Agree to the population of the city-wide framework and to the development of measures/activities to reduce poverty, to be brought back to Cabinet in June as proposals for further work. ^1.

iii)          Agree the emphasis in priority to those in poverty.

REASON:             To address the issues of fairness and equality in the city.