Issue - meetings

Following on from the paper presented to Executive in April outlining the principles and methodology for the delivery of a multi-agency financial inclusion project, this report offers an update on the project delivery plan, progress to date and methods for evaluating the impact of the project .

Resolved:  That the project plan outlined in Annex A and described in sections 7 to 13 of the report be noted and approved.

Reason:    In order to progress the Area Based Financial Inclusion Project, contributing to the council plan priority to support a prosperous city for all - where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing and opportunities.

The Executive Member considered a report that followed on from a paper presented to Executive on 27 April 2017 [Minute 150 of that meeting refers] outlining the principles and methodology for the delivery of a multi-agency financial inclusion project, called 4CommunityGrowthYork.

The report provided an update on the project delivery plan, as detailed in Annex A, and on progress to date and methods for evaluating the impact of the project.  Paragraphs 7 to 10 described the proposed work plan activities in relation to the distinct areas of jobs and skills, business and enterprise, financial resilience and community capacity building.  Capacity and next steps were outlined in paragraph 11, including the proposal to commission additional community engagement capacity for a year in the first instance, as detailed in Annex B.  The project budget, refined in line with the work plan, was set out in paragraph 12.

In response to the Executive Member’s questions, Officers clarified that:

·        Communication on the project would take place with Members and local communities using a range of methods, including ward team meetings, face to face visits with representatives of local groups, Facebook and leaflets.

·        Further sessions on the subject of Universal Credit, as referred to in paragraph 18, were being planned with the help of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

Resolved:  That the project plan outlined in Annex A and described in sections 7 to 13 of the report be noted and approved.

Reason:    In order to progress the Area Based Financial Inclusion Project, contributing to the council plan priority to support a prosperous city for all - where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing and opportunities.