Purpose

Cabinet Lead Delegated Decision taken pursuant to Part Two, Section D paragraph 20. ‘The Cabinet (Executive) Functions

Decision

1. THE DECISION:

To spend the funding on

·       Rent Arrears £126,632.50 – This option allows us to reach many in need and we have statistics from the Housing providers of those in need of assistance with arrears. It will prevent homelessness for over 50 tenants that would then require us to house them at a large cost to the Council. It will support others to move to a more affordable and sustainable tenancy.

·       Bulk food purchase and the hygiene boxes £20,000 – This will reach across the whole Borough and will reach some of those vulnerable people that may otherwise be missed as not on other benefits but are in need of support.

1. REASONS FOR DECISION:

The rent arrears option allows for the Council to prevent the homelessness of a potential 50 residents that would then present homeless to the Council and need more funding and support. It will enable more residents to move to a more sustainable accommodation for them giving them the ability to remain housed and in a more affordable property.

Alternative options considered

Food vouchers were considered but the amount of funding that each eligible individual would potentially receive was minimal and not have as great an impact as the options chosen 

White good were considered, however the administration of this is difficult and there was no understanding of the need for this in the Borough.