Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026

Purpose: The Crisis and Resilience Fund is replacing the Household Support Fund from April 2026. In quarter 4, National Government will give us the final detail of what will be included within the fund, and we will shape our offer accordingly and will bring the Day 1 support service to Cabinet for agreement to commence on 1 April 2026. This ensures there is no break in crisis and critical services whilst the longer-term resilience programme is developed to align with the new criteria.

Content: (a)    That the day one continuation of critical crisis and resilience projects in line with the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) criteria project proposals, be approved.   (b)    It was noted that local authorities must allocate CRF funding to provide financial support towards housing needs, to those who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. This would replace the current Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme ending on the 31 March 2026.   (c)    It was noted that once more information relating to the administration of the new fund was available from Government, a further report would be submitted to People and Health Overview Committee for consideration.     Reason for the decision   To ensure Dorset Council was safe, legal and compliant with the CRF criteria and that there was no loss of critical crisis and resilience support whilst further development work was undertaken within Dorset Council and with our strategic community delivery partners.   CRF Guidance stated that authorities were expected to maintain existing levels of spending on Housing Payments, using the FYE March 2026 allocations for DHPs as a guide. The Housing Payment would closely replicate existing DHP guidelines and would adopt a phased transition over the 3-year funding period.