Issue - meetings

This paper recommends to the Executive Member for Finance & Performancein consultation with the Executive Member for Housing & Safe Communities, that the funding shortfall in maintaining the winter grants scheme to 31^st March 2021 is met through the extended York Financial Assistance (YFAS) scheme. This was supplemented in 2020/21 by £1m of council funds to support residents in hardship during the covid pandemic.

Resolved:  That approval be given to the funding the winter grants scheme through to 31^st March 2021 through use of the extended YFAS funding at an estimated cost of £200k.

Reason:     To provide financial support to the city’s most financially vulnerable residents through the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

The Executive Members considered a report recommending that the funding shortfall in maintaining the winter grants scheme to 31 March 2021 was met through the extended York Financial Assistance (YFAS) scheme. This was supplemented in 2020/21 by £1m of council funds to support residents in hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Assistant Director Customer and Digital Services outlined the support that was currently in place noting that the government had confirmed that there would be further funding beyond 31^st March 2021 available for food and activities through the school holidays. She then noted the take up of funding from families for food and utility bills and she encouraged families to claim the extra support if approved at this meeting.

The Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods supported the recommendations and whilst welcoming the support from the government, acknowledged that the original funding was insufficient and noted that she would like to see the government providing more ongoing support. The Executive Member for Finance and Performance also welcomed the report and it was:

Resolved:  That approval be given to the funding the winter grants scheme through to 31^st March 2021 through use of the extended YFAS funding at an estimated cost of £200k.

Reason:     To provide financial support to the city’s most financially vulnerable residents through the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.