Issue - meetings

To consider how to apply the approved Cost of Living Crisis Funding pot

This item is urgent due to the cycle of Committee meetings this item needs to be discussed and approved at tonight’s meeting in order to progress distributing first tranche of support to families in need as quickly as possible.

The Chair agreed to the consideration of this item, in accordance with paragraph (4)(b) of section 100B of the Local Government Act 1972 for the following reason:

“Due to the cycle of committee meetings this item needs to be discussed and approved at tonight’s meeting in order to progress distributing first tranche of support to families in need as quickly as possible”.  

The Committee considered a verbal report from the Deputy Chief Executive on application of the £200k Cost of Living Crisis Fund agreed by councillors to be set aside to support residents and communities across the borough through the current cost-of-living crisis.

The Committee were asked to consider allocating a cash grant for children and families identified as having high energy costs for both heating and medical equipment usage. 25 families identified by the children’s locality team could receive support in the region of £1000, with an option to increase this. The Deputy Chief Executive raised another aspect of utilising the Cost-of-Living Crisis Fund which concerned continuing discussions with foodbanks across the borough to provide additional funding.

The Committee queried the number of foodbanks being considered to receive additional funding and were advised this included at least six of the main foodbanks across the borough.

The Committee resolved to agree allocation of £1500 per household to the families (approximately 25) and supported continued discussion with foodbanks for additional funding.