At last night’s meeting, the Community Overview & Scrutiny Panel agreed to recommend to Cabinet that they consider continuing to support the Local Welfare Assistance Fund.
The fund has been used to provide help to the most vulnerable members of the community following a disaster, emergency or during a period of financial difficulty, together with support and signposting to other relevant agencies.
It was introduced in April last year as a result of changes made by Central Government to the benefit system. It meant that instead of local authorities being provided money through the former Social Care fund they would receive a grant with the option to spend how they wanted.
Bournemouth Council decided to use the £495k grant they were given to support the most vulnerable in the town through the new Local Welfare Assistance Fund and allocated a further £250k from reserves. The same level of funding was received in 2014-15.
Chairman of the Panel, Councillor Michael Weinhonig, said:
“As Chairman of the panel I fully support the recommendation and will put forward that Cabinet consider prioritising £450k for the budget in 2015/16 and a further £250k for 2016/17.”
Leading the task and finish group, Councillor Patrick Oakley and Councillor Rae Stollard, said:
“If this funding is agreed by Cabinet it will be vital in ensuring the most vulnerable people in Bournemouth are able to seek support when they need it most. We are committed to continuing to protect them as part of our work to build a better Bournemouth for those who live here.”
A further recommendation is being made by the Panel to Cabinet for them to continue the Rent in Advance contribution from the fund as this enables effective management of the Council’s statutory homelessness duties.
