That:

1)              a Supplementary Estimate of up to £100,000 be approved to allow vulnerable families and individuals who are struggling with the cost of food and utilities to continue to be supported once the Covid Winter Grant funds of £281k are exhausted;

2)              it be noted that this will bring total spend on supporting families and individuals most in need in the Borough to £381k and will allow families and individuals to receive support up to the closing date of the scheme on 16th  April 2021.

The Executive considered a report relating to a proposed supplementary estimate of up to £100,000 to continue to support vulnerable families and individuals who had struggled to meet the costs of food and utilities over the winter months due to the Covid pandemic.

Whilst introducing the report the Executive Member for Finance and Housing explained that the Executive had previously made a commitment that in the event that the Winter Grant provided by the Government did not meet all of people’s requirements the Council would look to increase the amount available.  It was therefore proposed to request a supplementary estimate of up to £100,000 to continue to support vulnerable families and individuals.  Councillor Kaiser reminded the meeting that part of the Winter Grant had been used to fund school children’s meals during the holiday period and also to assist with utility costs.  

In light of the fact that the Council was having to increase the amount of money available Councillor Haitham Taylor queried whether the Council would be writing to the Secretary of State ahead of next year requesting that a larger grant be provided to cover these costs?  Councillor Kaiser responded that the Council would be applying for a larger grant next year however as the grant was part of the package of assistance provided to mitigate the effects of Covid it was therefore unknown whether it would continue.

RECOMMENDATION that:

1)              a Supplementary Estimate of up to £100,000 be approved to allow vulnerable families and individuals who are struggling with the cost of food and utilities to continue to be supported once the Covid Winter Grant funds of £281k are exhausted;

2)              it be noted that this will bring total spend on supporting families and individuals most in need in the Borough to £381k and will allow families and individuals to receive support up to the closing date of the scheme on 16th  April 2021.