Issue - meetings

This report provides details on the Government announcement regarding the Household Support Fund (HSF) extension from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and seeks agreement to proposals for the subsequent allocation and distribution of the HSF in Brent.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note Brent’s allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

(2)    To approve the proposed approach for allocating and distributing the HSF as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

(3)    To approve, subsequent to (2) above, the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture exercising his authority to establish revised eligibility criteria regarding the Household Support Fund grant scheme as may be necessary to enable the appropriate allocation of funding.

(4)    Subsequent to (2) above, to approve the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture being granted the authority to amend the Council’s eligibility criteria during the lifetime of this Household Support Fund grant scheme if necessary for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.6 of the report, subject to the parameters set by the Department for Work and Pensions in its Determination and Guidance.

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities & Culture) introduced the report providing details on the Government’s announcement regarding the extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, seeking agreement to proposals for the subsequent allocation and distribution of the HSF in Brent.

In considering the report, members welcomed the extension of the HSF and proposed approach towards the allocation funding and support within Brent (as detailed in section 4 of the report) which it was felt highlighted the Council’s ongoing commitment to support vulnerable households and young people across the borough.

Having noted the increased demand for financial support as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and number of households being supported through the proactive initiatives outlined, along with the relevant eligibility criteria and guidance Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To note Brent’s allocation for the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

(2)      To approve the proposed approach for allocating and distributing the HSF as set out in section 4 of the report.

(3)      To approve, subsequent to (2) above, the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture exercising his authority to establish revised eligibility criteria regarding the Household Support Fund grant scheme as may be necessary to enable the appropriate allocation of funding.

(4)      Subsequent to (2) above, to approve the Corporate Director of Resident Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture being granted the authority to amend the Council’s eligibility criteria during the lifetime of this Household Support Fund grant scheme if necessary for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.6 of the report, subject to the parameters set by the Department for Work and Pensions in its Determination and Guidance.