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It was MOVED, SECONDED and
RESOLVED:

 

•        
To note that Advice Services were
removed from the 2026-29 Grants programme by M&C at their
meeting on 9th July 2025 (as attached as Appendix 1).

•        
To agree that, in order to allow
time for the procurement agreed at 9th July’s Mayor &
Cabinet meeting, the Advice Service grant is extended under the
Main Grants Programme, but only for the financial year 2026/7.
After 31st March 2027, Advice Services to be removed from the Grant
programme budget and £600,000 ring-fenced for a procured
Advice service.

•        
To agree that in order to fund
this, the £600,000 allocated to the procurement of Advice
services, be placed back in the grant programme for 1 year
only.

•        
To agree to extend the Advice
Services grant funding with the current provider (Citizens Advice
Bureaux Service Limited) for 12 months (1 April 2026 to 31 March
2027) for a grant totalling £600,000.

•        
To note that the extension
represents an interim measure and that during this period the
Council will develop a Financial Resilience Strategy and undertake
preparatory work to establish a commissioned Advice Service
contract from April 2027 onwards, in line with the strategic
direction outlined in the report.

•        
To note that the Cost-of-Living
Programme Board will provide oversight of the Financial Resilience
Strategy development and the integration of advice services within
that strategy, ensuring cross-Council and partner collaboration in
the design and future delivery of a holistic support model for
residents.