Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Director of Finance, which outlined the final spend position regarding the delivery of the Government’s Household Support Fund for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. 

A spending plan (tranche 6) had been prepared and was attached as Appendix A.  It was noted that £100,000 had been allocated to the Discretionary Support Scheme within the Benefits Division to process applications. As per Government guidance, it was intended to cover a wide range of low income households in need, including families with children, pensioners and people with disabilities. 

Appendix B of the report contained detailed information relating to spending for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 (tranche 7).  This included expenditure from partner organisations including Halton Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB);  Widnes Foodbank; Runcorn Foodbank; Holiday Activity Food Programme; Affordable Warmth – Energy Projects Plus; and Halton Voluntary Action.

          A Board Member raised a concern regarding the withdrawal of funding for the CAB and queried if they still had capacity.  Officers confirmed that their funding was topped up in tranche 6 and no objections had been received to date.

          RESOLVED:  That the Board note:

1)    the final position regarding the Household Support Fund for the period
1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025; and

2)    the spending plan for the Household Support Fund for the period 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026.