To approve the proposal for The local Welfare Provision Scheme.

1.      That the establishment of a Local Welfare Provision scheme be agreed with two aims:

(a)    alleviate financial distress following an emergency, crisis or disaster; and

(b)    enable vulnerable residents to set up home or remain at home and so gain or maintain their independence.

2.      That the proposed Eligibility Criteria for the scheme as set out in Appendix A of the report and the Operating Model as set out in Option 2 of Appendix B be approved.

3.      That the scheme be introduced in two phases:

(a)    Phase One, will replicate the current Department for Work and Pensions scheme with a minor change to eligibility and the range of support offered as outlined in the report; and

(b)    Phase Two, the scheme will be reviewed after six months operation once the level and type of demand is known.

4.      To delegate authority to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing to make amendments to the Local Welfare Provision Scheme.