Issue - meetings

This report is the 2014/15 Financial Inclusion Steering Group outturn report.  It informs Members of the progress made in delivering financial inclusion activity across the city facilitated by the Council’s Financial Inclusion Strategy.  It also provides information about the Council’s Council Tax Support Scheme in response to Advice York’s recent review, and the performance of the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to note the work of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group.

Reason:     To ensure Members are aware of Financial Inclusion activity and how related financial support is administered through Council Tax Support and York Financial Assistance schemes to inform planning for future financial pressures relating to these schemes.

The Executive considered the 2014/15 outturn report and performance of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group (FISG) which informed them of progress made in delivering financial inclusion activity across the city arising from the Council’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. The report also provided information on the Council’s Tax Support Scheme following Advice York’s recent review.

It was reported that membership of the FISG included directorate representatives, the York Citizens Advice Bureau and the South Yorkshire Credit Union. Members noted that four grants had been made during 2014/15 and details of the outcomes of all projects for which grants had been made since 2013/14 were detailed at paragraphs 7 to 17.

Officers confirmed that targeted support through the York Financial Assistance Scheme was still considered the best way to assist the most financially vulnerable customers but that, to date, claims for support with Council Tax had seen less that 40% of available money claimed in any one year. Officers also confirmed that further work was required to promote the support to ensure that the assistance reached financially vulnerable residents.

The Executive Member confirmed the need for a review of CTS and an examination of alternative methods of supporting residents.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to note the work of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group.

Reason:     To ensure Members are aware of Financial Inclusion activity and how related financial support is administered through Council Tax Support and York Financial Assistance schemes to inform planning for future financial pressures relating to these schemes.