Purpose

To seek Cabinet
Member approval for additional funding to strengthen winter
homelessness and rough sleeping support; to provide additional
support to resident in crisis struggling with energy costs and
provide additional warm and welcoming space funding.
 

Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Health and Communities approves
the contribution of:

 

£0.050m to Marches Energy Agency to strengthen support
to residents in crisis struggling with energy costs.

 

£0.050m to Derbyshire Voluntary Action to administer
additional Warm and Welcoming Spaces grant funding; and

 

£0.055m to North East Derbyshire District Council on
behalf of Derbyshire Homelessness Officers Group (DHOG) to
strengthen winter homelessness and rough sleeping support in
Derbyshire. 

Reasons for the decision

Fuel poverty, homelessness and winter pressures are
inextricably linked to financial exclusion and health inequalities
which requires coordinated action.

 

There is a clear and direct link between living in a decent,
warm, and safe home and good health and wellbeing. Demand for
support with energy costs remains high, with many households
needing additional help to reduce their fuel bills and increase the
energy efficiency of their homes.

 

Addressing homelessness is crucial for improving health
outcomes and reducing health inequalities. Planning and developing
specialist winter provision for rough sleeping is a commitment in
the Derbyshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
(2022-27). 

Alternative options considered

Do not approve additional investment to strengthen services
that are addressing seasonal pressures on health and wellbeing.
(This is not the preferred option). Tackling the wider determinants
of health is a priority within both the Derbyshire Health &
Wellbeing Strategy and the Public Health Strategy. Therefore, by
not approving this additional investment an opportunity to address
this area of focus in both the above-mentioned strategies will be
significantly reduced.