Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to provide Cabinet with an assessment of the poverty challenge in York and a draft vision for a poverty free York agreed with external partners.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The vision for a poverty-free York.

(ii)          Funding of £100,000 from the Delivery and Innovation Fund.

(iii)        A work programme to develop longer term measures to address poverty in York.

(iv)        The proposed Governance arrangements as set out in paragraphs 29 to 31 of the report.

REASON:  To ensure effective delivery of the Protecting Vulnerable People objective in the Council Plan.

Consideration was given to a report which provided Cabinet with an assessment of the poverty challenge in York, a draft vision for a poverty free city together with initiatives, work areas and governance arrangements.

Although below the national average, poverty in York was reported to be on the increase, at a rate beyond the ability of the Council, in isolation, to manage. Details of Funds, Schemes and work programmes to address the problems of financial and economic inclusion were reported at paragraphs 10 to 14 with the draft vision and targets for a poverty free city at paragraphs 15 to 17 and at Table 1 and Annex A. Proposals for immediate action to be taken over the next two years, in partnership with other bodies in the city,  were set out at Table 2 and Annex B.

To ensure that this work was managed efficiently and decision making lines streamlined the governance arrangements were currently under review.

The Cabinet Leader praised the work already undertaken and to the Press campaign to tackle the stigma of poverty. Other Cabinet Members highlighted the significant actions proposed in the longer term to assist this vulnerable group.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The vision for a poverty-free York.

(ii)          Funding of £100,000 from the Delivery and Innovation Fund.

(iii)        A work programme to develop longer term measures to address poverty in York.

(iv)        The proposed Governance arrangements as set out in paragraphs 29 to 31 of the report. ^1.

REASON:  To ensure effective delivery of the Protecting Vulnerable People objective in the Council Plan.