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RESOLVED:
 
·      
Noted that the Household Support Fund (6) investment
is to be managed locally.
·      
Approved the provisional scope and diversity of
distribution as set out in section 4 of this report.
·      
Approved the control and oversight approach to be
undertaken through the existing WNC Public Health team.
·      
Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member and
Director of Public Health to authorise any significant change in
the proposed distribution methodology set out in section 4, should
further guidance be received from DWP that contradicts the proposed
methodology.
·      
Authorised any funds that have not been assigned,
committed or anticipated to be distributed by 31st March 2025
(according to the distribution methodology set out in section 4),
are to be redistributed in line
 
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
·      
The Household Support Fund (6) will be aimed at high
priority recipients such as those in the lower income sector,
including the working community and pensioners, households in
crisis, and families with children.
·      
The distribution of funds will meet the wider
communities’ financial needs, where other grants and funding
are not available
·      
It provides real benefit to underpin the West
Northamptonshire Anti-Poverty Strategy and ensure residents most in
need receive support
·      
It builds on the successful Household Support Fund
(5) partnership with the VCSE in distributing funds via the
downstream voluntary organisations to residents that may not
otherwise be identified through the benefits system
·      
All awards and funding complimented by wrap around
support schemes will promote long term, sustainable support with
financial wellbeing.
·      
In line with DWP guidance, the Fund will be used to
prevent poverty locally and build local resilience. This enables
activity to be funded which prevents vulnerable residents from
falling into – or falling further into –
crisis.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
None