Decision details

With effect from the 1st April 2013 the Government is abolishing elements of the Social Fund currently administered by the DWP and allocating funding to Councils based on their estimated awards for Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans

·  The option for providing local welfare support as set out in Appendix 3 of the report is adopted and implemented with effect from the 1st April 2013;

·  That research is carried out across the Council in order to bring together a co-ordinated gateway for customers needing to access discretionary funds delivering Welfare Provision by the end of March 2014

The decision takes account of the advice of relevant stakeholders and members, it seeks to minimise the alleged abuse of the existing system operated by the Department For Works and Pensions on the basis that it will be a non-cash award and it will enable a vital gateway for those most in need to access the right services.

·  A number of various options have been considered, including a “do nothing” scenario. It is thought that the preferred option delivers the most appropriate solution for stakeholders and customers at this time and within the timescales available. It also enables for some of the other options to be built in to further evaluation and improvements.

·  These developments should include the removal of duplication in other discretionary funded schemes. The most appropriate provision of Commissioned support and the wider scope of third party referrals.