Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Benefits Manager regarding the latest allocation of the Household Support Fund. It was explained that The Household Support Fund (HSF) was first introduced in October 2021 and had been renewed every 6 months since then. West Lindsey had been successful in distributing £908k by way of over 6,500 awards of either a food parcel, a voucher for food or utilities, or a BACS payment into a resident’s bank account.

Members heard that the Household Support Fund 4 (HSF4) was announced in November 2022 and the details of the fund were clarified in February 2023. The fund would run for the full financial year 2023-24 and Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) had been awarded £10.9m. The funding would be received from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who issued guidance on how the money may be spent. LCC had agreed that each District would receive a percentage of the fund to distribute to its residents and it was estimated that West Lindsey would receive funding of approximately £160,000.

Using the learning from the previous three HSF distribution methods, it had been established that to reach as many residents as possible, the Council needed to involve partner organisations such as food banks and charitable organisations. Previous administration of HSF had proved both costly and time consuming, relying on a high-volume of administrative hours from existing officers, if each Local Authority chose to accept direct applications from residents wishing to apply for funding.

It was highlighted that the report under consideration recommended that, to reach as many residents as possible whilst keeping the administration costs of the Local Authority as small as possible, funding be distributed via food banks and voluntary organisations with at least one of the voluntary organisations administering an application-based process.

The Chairman thanked the Officer and expressed his support for the scheme, and invited comments from the Committee.

Councillor S. Bunney enquired as to how it was ensured those third party organisations were sustainable and effective, and also highlighted how important it was for members of the public to be aware of this available funding and how to access support. On this point, he proposed an additional recommendation specifically regarding the communication plan for the scheme. That being:

“That the Communications Team promote West Lindsey District Council’s involvement with the distribution of the Household Support Fund thru the open application process and via food banks and voluntary organisations; that we ensure the public are aware of how they can access the funds and what they are entitled to.”

In response to the comment regarding the use of third party organisations, the Benefits Manager confirmed that all partner agencies were well established and also needed to meet set criteria in order to receive such funding. It was also clarified that, in recognition of administration costs involved, funding did consist of a 10% allowance for administration.

There was further discussion amongst Members of the Committee praising the scheme and the work of the Officers involved in it. It was recognised that communication of the schemes available was key, and a Member of the committee duly seconded the proposed additional recommendation. On taking the vote, it was

            RESOLVED that an additional recommendation be made as follows:

“That the Communications Team promote West Lindsey District Council’s involvement with the distribution of the Household Support Fund thru the open application process and via food banks and voluntary organisations; that we ensure the public are aware of how they can access the funds and what they are entitled to.”

There were further comments of support amongst Members. Confirmation was given that individual payments could be made to those people who may otherwise not benefit from the funds available, as had been actioned under the third allocation of funding.

Stating his thanks again, the Chairman read aloud the two original recommendations, stating they would be taken en bloc with the additional third recommendation. Having been moved and seconded, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that:

a)    the delivery process of the Lincolnshire District Councils’ Household Support Fund 4, which runs to March 2024, be approved to be distributed to residents most in need as follows:

·         40% via food banks and voluntary organisations (to include 10% administration costs)

·         50% via an open application process that will be administered until March 2024 via a 3rd part charitable organisation (to include 15% administration costs)

·         10% to be retained by WLDC for internal administration of the fund and contingencies.

b)    where there are minor amendments made to the scheme, unless these are considered ‘significantly material’, the Benefits Manager, in consultation with the Director of Change Management, ICT and Regulatory Services, be delegated to implement these changes after consultation with the Committee Chair; and

c)    the Communications Team promote West Lindsey District Council’s involvement with the distribution of the Household Support Fund thru the open application process and via food banks and voluntary organisations; that we ensure the public are aware of how they can access the funds and what they are entitled to.