Agenda item

(a)  That additional funding of £30k for 2015-16 be approved; and

(b)  That the pressures and potential changes for 2015-16 and 2016-17 be noted.

The Assistant Director Finance & Audit introduced a report on the position regarding the Local Welfare Provision (LWP) scheme.  The scheme was facing in year pressures and approval was sought for an additional £30k for 2015/16 to continue the scheme for the current year.

Government had ceased dedicated funding for the scheme in 2015/16, although some additional Revenue Support Grant had been received, and there was no obligation on Council’s to have a LWP scheme.  However, Members had previously agreed to continue the scheme which provided emergency assistance for vulnerable people.  The 2015/16 scheme had been funded from underspends from previous years, however, demand had risen and a funding gap for the current year had emerged.  Commissioners felt that welfare reforms were having a significant impact on some people which was increasing the pressure on other budgets such as temporary housing and crisis care.  It was also noted that there were likely to be further impacts from the introduction of Universal Credit in Slough at the end of September 2015.

After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed to approve an additional £30k funding for the LWP scheme for 2015/16 and that the future of the scheme would be considered as part of the budget setting process, taking into account the impacts of the introduction of Universal Credit and wider welfare changes.

Resolved –

(a)  That additional funding of £30k for 2015-16 be approved; and

(b)  That the pressures and potential changes for 2015-16 and 2016-17 be noted.