Agenda item

To review the implementation of the Brent Poverty Commission recommendations as agreed by Cabinet.

Councillor Southwood, Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform introduced a report on the delivery of the Poverty Commission recommendations, as well as the actions raised by the Committee in December 2020. Councillor Southwood advised that key performance measures for the delivery plan would also form part of the Council’s overall performance framework, which were currently being finalised for 2021/22, and quarterly corporate performance reports would be presented to the Committee.

The Committee was then invited to raise questions on the update provided, which

focused on a number of key areas as highlighted below:

·         Regarding central government’s Breathing Space programme, it was noted that residents would be given legal protections from their creditors for 60 days, with most interest and penalty charges frozen and enforcement action halted. They would also receive professional debt advise to design a plan which helped to get their finances back on track. Members were assured that the Council would promote the programme through its usual communication routes.

·         It was noted that Community Hubs would continue to support residents, with strengthening of relationships and referral pathways between food aid agencies and the Hubs. The Hubs had also been able to provide emergency financial support for residents in food and fuel hardship.

·         In regard to period poverty, it was noted that the Council was working alongside other organisations to ensure women of all ages had access to suitable menstrual products.

·         In response to a question regarding engagement with trade unions, it was noted that the Council was committed to engaging with unions as a key stakeholder. Members were assured that engagement was progressing and that conversations would be pursued on a political as well as organisational level. 

·         Regarding credit unions, it was noted that the Council had been working with two credit unions who could provide support to residents and staff respectively. More information would be shared with members as arrangements progressed.

·         Members were assured that those residents who had been supported through the Everyone In homelessness programme had continued to receive support following the end of programme in July. The majority of those supported had now moved into long-term accommodation. Those with no recourse to public funds were being supported to apply for settled status.

·         Regarding unemployment following the end of the furlough scheme, it was noted that the Council aimed to intervene early to support those residents affected. It would promote the Resident Support Fund and work with local employees to ensure they were taking on residents who had been let go. It was recognised that employment support would need to be geared towards older age groups as well as younger age groups.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the following areas for improvement be noted;

          (i).        To provide targeted communications regarding period poverty work across the age ranges.

         (ii).        To work more closely with trade unions within the borough.

        (iii).        To publicise credit unions within the borough more widely.

2.    To consider a further Brent Poverty Commission Report and Recommendations update in six months’ time.