Issue - meetings

1.        This report provides the Executive Member for Finance & Performance in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods with the Financial Inclusion/Welfare Benefits 2021/22 mid-term update including:

·        the ongoing impact of Coronavirus as well recent welfare benefits changes in York, including Universal Credit, and importantly the support available for residents in dealing with these challenges;

·        an update on benefits statistics and performance administered by the council including the York Financial Assistance Scheme;

·         other financial inclusion (FI) activity during 2021/22 including delivery of FISG grant schemes.

Resolved: That the report and the progress made in supporting residents who are financially vulnerable be noted.

Reason:     To ensure councillors, residents and stakeholder groups are aware of the ongoing financial inclusion activity across the city and use of associated funding including covid-19 support.  

The Executive Members considered a report that provided a mid-term update including the ongoing impact of Coronavirus as well recent welfare benefits changes in York (including Universal Credit and support available for residents in dealing with those challenges); an update on benefits statistics and performance administered by the council including the York Financial Assistance Scheme; and other financial inclusion (FI) activity during 2021/22 including the delivery of Financial Inclusion Steering Group (FISG) grant schemes.

The Director of Customer and Communities explained that the impact of the pandemic continued and the council continued to invest in further support for people in York, with a forecast spend of £2.5 - £3million in further support for residents. An update on universal credit was given, with around 12,000 people claiming it at that time. The challenges around the cost of housing, food, fuel and childcare were noted. The work of the FISG and difference that its schemes were making was highlighted. The Head of Customer and Exchequer Services outlined the amounts sent out in direct payments to residents.

The Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods commented that winter was proving a difficult one for York residents with the council continuing to support tenants and link then to the support available. She noted the work of the YFAS and commended the work of the welfare benefits advisors and adult social care advisors. The Executive Member for Finance and Performance noted the impact that the funding was having on peoples lives. They then;

Resolved: That the report and the progress made in supporting residents who are financially vulnerable be noted.

Reason:     To ensure councillors, residents and stakeholder groups are aware of the ongoing financial inclusion activity across the city and use of associated funding including covid-19 support.  

[The Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods left the meeting at 11.12]