Decision details

To set out, and seek approval for, the deployment of a fourth Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation (1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024) in order to provide crisis support to vulnerable households in most need of support, and to help with significantly rising living costs over the next 12 months. This is further to a report considered on 23 March 2023, outlining the initial deployment of HSF funds for North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund (NYLAF).

• That the County Council will deploy a fourth Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation (April 2023 – March 2024) of £7,075,100, in order to provide support to vulnerable households in need of crisis support, and to help with significantly rising living costs.
• That in line with Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance for the fourth 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 Housing Benefit but will not qualify for Cost-of-Living support, and all households in receipt of maximum means tested Council Tax support or reduction.
- 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.
- Increasing the maximum number of emergency awards available through North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund.
North Yorkshire’s Delivery Plan will be submitted to DWP on 17 May 2023 to reflect the programme.
• That the Assistant Director for Customer, Reviews and Benefits will agree the HSF programme schedule including detailed timescales for operational delivery, in liaison with the Executive Member for Corporate Services.

Urgency and Call in Exemption granted by the Chair of the Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 5 May 2023.

DWP requires the submission of an HSF Delivery Plan by 17 May 2023 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.