To consider proposals for the introduction of a scheme to provide local welfare provision and to provide comments to be considered by the Executive.

The Head of Housing Need presented a report that introduced a scheme to provide Local Welfare Provision to provide support for residents, which would replace the discretionary element of the Social Fund that was presently administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that would be abolished after 31 March 2013.  In addition to the report it was highlighted that this was a discretionary service and that neighbouring authorities were working on similar schemes.  The Council had developed schemes using “allpay” cards and “paypoint” to provide support to the most vulnerable residents.

In addition the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing drew the attention of the Committee to the financial implications and the current funding shortfall.  It was suggested that in light of this shortfall the Committee might consider recommending the delegation of powers to the Director and Executive Member to amend the scheme if problems arose.  There was a financial risk to this scheme that needed to be taken into account. 

In light of the report and further clarification provided by officers the Committee discussed the following issues in detail:-

·                    The interviews that would be undertaken with those persons who applied for an additional community care grant after a period of 28 days following their previous application.

·                    The risks that a person who had resided in more than one local authority area could apply for emergency provision from two authorities during the same 12 month period.

·                    Consultation that the Council had undertaken with a wide range of partners that included Credit Unions.

·                    The criteria that the Council could apply to residents applying for emergency provision.  Concerns were raised regards making cash payments to residents who suffer from domestic abuse, it was important that the Council provided adequate support to residents who were in receipt of cash payments, particularly in relation to finance management.

·                    The importance of effective communication with residents to ensure they were aware of changes to the local welfare provision scheme.

·                    The use of churches to deliver food banks and food voucher schemes.

·                    Whether it was appropriate for a resident to have continually resided in Central Bedfordshire for a period of six out of the last 12 months. 

In addition to these issues Cllr Johnstone proposed that the eligibility criteria for emergency provision should be amended such that a person would need to have resided in Central Bedfordshire continuously for the previous six months to be eligible.  The Committee discussed this and agreed that the criteria as set out in the report were appropriate.  It was agreed that a review should be undertaken at the end of a transitional period to determine the extent of emergency provision and the financial implications to the Council.

RECOMMENDED to Executive

1.                  That the Local Welfare Provision Scheme as set out in the report be supported to deliver the two key aims:-

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

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

2.                  That the Eligibility Criteria as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

3.                  That proposals to introduce the scheme in two phases as follows be supported:-

(i)                 Phase one, to replicate the current DWP scheme with a minor change to eligibility and the range of support offered as outlined in the report to the Committee;

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

4.                  That the Local Welfare Provision Scheme be adopted by Central Bedfordshire as set out in the body of the report and as outlined in Appendices A and B.

5.                  That responsibility be delegated to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing to make any amendments to the Local Welfare Provision Scheme.

6.                  That a report be presented to the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee following a six month implementation period detailing the financial impact that had occurred as a result of implementing the local welfare provision scheme.

Note:

Councillor Johnstone requested it be recorded that he could not support the  agreed recommendations as he felt that the eligibility criteria for emergency provision should be amended as set out in the body of the Minutes.

Cllr N Sheppard left the meeting During consideration of this item and was not present at the time of agreeing the recommendations.

(Meeting adjourned at 12 noon and reconvened at 1212hrs)