Issue - meetings

Recommendations

i.                That Executive notes the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF) allocation confirmed by Government for North Yorkshire Council for the 2026/27 financial year of £6,644,811.48, and the national transition from existing discretionary support arrangements to the new CRF framework.

ii.              That Executive notes and approves the inclusion, within the overall CRF allocation, of targeted discretionary fuel related support to assist low income households experiencing financial hardship and rising living costs, including those living in off gas properties reliant on LPG, heating oil or other alternative fuels. This includes additional one off Government funding of £1,061,623 for 2026/27, to be delivered through the Crisis & Resilience Fund in line with national guidance.

iii.             That Executive approves North Yorkshire Council’s approach to implementing the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026, including the use of interim delivery arrangements to ensure continuity of crisis and housing support for residents while a longer term No Wrong Door / One Front Door operating model is finalised, in line with CRF guidance which anticipates a phased implementation approach and requires the Council’s CRF Delivery Plan to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions by 1 July 2026.

iv.             That Executive approves the Housing Payments (Crisis & Resilience Fund) Policy (Appendix A), which formally replaces the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) policy with effect from 1 April 2026, consistent with national arrangements and CRF grant conditions.

v.              That Executive approves and delegates authority to the Corporate Director – Resources (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, to operate and apply the approved CRF framework and Housing Payments Policy, including:

a)   administering individual CRF awards (including Housing Payments and fuel related support);

b)   managing and monitoring expenditure across CRF strands to ensure compliance with grant conditions and value for money; and

c)   making minor operational amendments required during the interim period, reporting back to Members as appropriate.