Issue - meetings

To consider the proposed scheme of distribution of Household Support Fund Phase 6.

The Committee considered a report from the Strategic Lead, Independent Living on the distribution of the Household Support Fund Phase 6 (HSF).

The report highlighted the Government's extension of the HSF scheme with an additional £421 million to assist households with rising energy bills, food prices, and other essentials from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Surrey County Council had received £5,590,830, with £750,000 allocated to district and borough councils, including £84,091 for Spelthorne Borough Council. The report discussed various options for distributing the funds, including continuing the Phase 5 approach, subsidising meals on wheels to offer a frozen meal service for vulnerable families, and allocating funds to community groups or warm hubs. Key issues included the reduced allocation for Spelthorne and the need to support various vulnerable people.

The Committee raised concern that the preferred distribution of funding was only supporting certain vulnerable groups and that all demographics including young families should be considered. The Strategic Lead, Independent living confirmed that the use of the Household Support Fund to support the subsidisation of a meals-on-wheels service will create capacity in the overall service area to support other vulnerable groups who also experienced food insecurity and financial hardship. 

The Committee resolved to:

1)    Agree the proposed scheme of distribution of Household Support fund Phase 6 as set out in Option two of the report.

2)    Agree that in the event of any funds being unallocated that they are moved to the “General Allocation Pot” at the end of March 2025.

The Committee adjourned at 20:41pm and readjourned at 20:52pm.

Councillors Gale and Geach left the meeting following the conclusion of this item.