Agenda item

This report provides Members with an update on the operation of the York Financial Assistance Scheme including results of related consultation activity, with recommendations to enhance the scheme from 1^st April 2014.

Resolved:           That, following consultation feedback, Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The full administration of the Financial Assistance Scheme remaining within the Council’s Benefits Service with a strengthening of advice, referrals and researching of other sources of funding.

(ii)          The Financial Inclusion Steering Group having overall control over the general distribution of the fund and the commissioning of other organisations as necessary to target specific initiatives.

(iii)        Reports to Cabinet from the FISG to be produced every year in June (Annual Report) and November (Interim Report) to update progress on financial inclusion activities with particular emphasis on the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

Reason:              To ensure ongoing improvements so there is no gap in provision of urgent financial resources available to our most vulnerable residents at times of crisis or other difficulty. To mitigate the impacts of wide ranging welfare benefits changes. To meet the priorities set down in the Council Plan and Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report which provided Members with an update on the operation of the York Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS), which included consultation feedback and recommendations to enhance the present scheme. The scheme provided emergency and community assistance based on eligibility criteria and individual circumstances.

The scheme had been established from April 2013, following the transfer of government funding to the local authority, details of which were set in paragraphs 2 to 10 of the report.

Following an examination of the spend against budget and an analysis of feedback, the lowest cost option, in terms of alternative service delivery models considered, required the Council to work closely across departments to ensure referrals were made and funding opportunities maximised.

The Cabinet Member expressed concern regarding future funding which he understood would be by way of the General Fund rather than a ring fenced grant. Concern was also expressed at the number of claims now being received and the need to assist those in crisis without them becoming dependent on the assistance.

Resolved:           That, following consultation feedback, Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The full administration of the Financial Assistance Scheme remaining within the Council’s Benefits Service with a strengthening of advice, referrals and researching of other sources of funding. 1.

(ii)          The Financial Inclusion Steering Group having overall control over the general distribution of the fund and the commissioning of other organisations as necessary to target specific initiatives.

(iii)        Reports to Cabinet from the FISG to be produced every year in June (Annual Report) and November (Interim Report) to update progress on financial inclusion activities with particular emphasis on the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

Reason:              To ensure ongoing improvements so there is no gap in provision of urgent financial resources available to our most vulnerable residents at times of crisis or other difficulty. To mitigate the impacts of wide ranging welfare benefits changes. To meet the priorities set down in the Council Plan and Financial Inclusion Strategy.