Purpose

To consider the proposed budget for the forthcoming Crisis and Resilience Fund and an allocation of Camden funds towards the continuation of the holiday food vouchers scheme.

Decision

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Communities and Housing Support.

DECISION –

THAT having considered this report, the Equality Impact Assessment (Appendix 3), and having had due regard to the needs set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 the Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living:

1. Notes the closing of the government’s Household Support Fund and subsequent ending of the grant to Camden of £3.5m for the period 2025-26 (a one year funding award).
2. Notes the Council’s allocation of £3.6m from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund for 2026-27, £3.6m in 2027-28 and £3.5m in 2028-29.
3. Agrees to the proposed 2026-27 budget to be funded by the Crisis and Resilience Fund taking into account the new guidance on eligible spend from the fund.
4. Agrees that holiday food voucher support to low-income families should continue until 31 August 2026, pending further assessment of future options for this scheme.
5. Agrees that £725,000 be allocated from the Council’s Cost of Living Fund (as set out at paragraph 2.17-2.20) to maintain the current level of holiday food vouchers until 31 August 2026, pending a review of this scheme and of the use of the Cost of Living Fund across 2026/27.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in the report.