Decision Maker: Executive Member for Corporate Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
To set out, and seek approval for, the
deployment of a sixth Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation (1
October 2024 – 31 March 2025) in order to provide assistance
to vulnerable and low-income households in most need of support,
and to help with essential living costs over the winter
period.
• That the Council will deploy a sixth
Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation (1 October 2024 – 31
March 2025) of £3,537,549.92, in order to provide support to
vulnerable households in need of crisis support, with the cost of
essentials over the next 6 months.
• That in line with Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
guidance for the sixth phase of HSF, the Council will deliver a
programme of targeted and universal support through the following
mechanisms:
- Direct award in the form of a shopping voucher to eligible
households in receipt of maximum Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
- HSF Exceptional Circumstances Fund for those who have not
benefitted from support due to circumstances beyond their control
and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Energy support
- Grants for food banks and providers of free or low-cost
food.
- Emergency awards available through North Yorkshire Local
Assistance Fund (NYLAF).
- Support for Care Leavers.
North Yorkshire’s Delivery Plan will be submitted to DWP on 5
November 2024 to reflect the programme.
• That the Assistant Director for Customer, Revenue and
Benefits will undertake any subsequent residual funding decisions
in liaison with the Executive Member for Corporate
Services.
DWP requires the submission of an HSF Delivery
Plan by 5 November 2024 to outline the deployment of allocated
funds in North Yorkshire.
Not to utilise the Household Support Fund
allocation – this would have resulted in additional support
not being available to residents of North Yorkshire.
Publication date: 04/11/2024
Date of decision: 04/11/2024
Accompanying Documents: