Purpose

To seek approval in relation to the proposed spend of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

On 2 September 2024 the Work and Pensions secretary announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further six months, from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, with a further £421m of funding. As has been done for previous schemes, the fund will be made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support vulnerable households in most need.

The plans for HSF6 are outlined below and do not significantly differ from previous HSF awards. Once agreed the plan will be entered into the DWP delivery plan template and require signing by both s151 Officer and Cabinet Member.

Decision

Decision(s):

(1)

the contents of the report be noted;

(2)

the proposed expenditure allocations as per paragraph 1.5 of this report which will be fully funded by £2,435,111 grant from the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 be approved; and

(3)

the Assistant Director - Communities be authorised to distribute the Household Support Fund allocated to Sefton by the UK Government in line with the plan.

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

The external revenue funds need to be allocated to various projects that support households in need in Sefton in line with the criteria set out by the UK Government.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None