Decision details

To agree on whether a local scheme should continue in light of Central government funding of the current scheme ending in 2015/16 and if so to agree the criteria and funding arrangements for the scheme.

(i)         that the current Local Welfare Assistance scheme objectives and structure be retained into 2015/16, but with amendments to scheme criteria designed to ensure that support is targeted at those most in need; (as described in Option 2 set out in the table in paragraph 5(1) of the report);

(ii)q     that the underspend in Local Welfare Assistance scheme payments in 2013/14 and the forecast underspend in 2014/15 be ring-fenced to provide a Local Welfare Assistance scheme for at least the next two years;

(iii)       that the Local Welfare Assistance scheme be fundamentally reviewed during 2015 with a revised scheme to be implemented in April 2016;

(iv)       that the content of the Equalities Analysis as set out in Appendix C be noted.