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RESOLVED: Cabinet;
 

a)             
Approved the provisional scope and diversity of the
distribution of the Household Support Fund as set out in Table 1 of
the main body of this report, where supported by the Government
Guidance, once published

b)             
Approved the control and oversight approach of the
Household Support Fund to continue to be undertaken by the existing
WNC Public Health team.

c)              
Authorised any Household Support Funds that have not
been assigned, committed or anticipated to be distributed by 31st
March 2026, to be redistributed in line with the most recent
Department for Work and Pensions Guidelines.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
 
·      
The provisional distribution proposal is in
accordance with the DWP guidance surrounding the distribution of
the Fund, as well as consistency with previous decisions and
delivery strategies.
·      
Managing awards and funding should be complimented
by wrap around support schemes to promote long term, sustainable
support with financial wellbeing. Retaining control and oversight
within the existing team allows for the application of a Public
Health approach to the distribution of the Fund, complimenting the
preventative and sustainable support favoured in the most recent
DWP guidance.
·      
To accord with the terms of the Fund, all monies
must be distributed before the 31st March 2026, allowing the
redistribution of any forecast underspends ensures that the full
allocation is utilised, providing maximum benefit to West Northants
residents.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
None