Agenda item

(a)  That the policy for Discretionary Housing Payments as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

(b)  That the policy set out for Local Welfare Provision as set out in Appendix B to the report be approved.

The Assistant Director Finance & Audit introduced a report seeking approval for revised Council policies for 2017-18 for Discretionary Housing Payments and Local Welfare Provision.  The schemes were important in providing additional support, particularly for people affected by welfare reforms.

Discretionary Housing Payments were funded by central Government and after several years of reduced funding there would be an additional £180,000 allocated to Slough in the next financial year bringing the total available to £761,000.  The Council would continue to maintain spend within the respective budget.  Local Welfare provision was a discretionary scheme funded by the Council and £300,000 had been allocated for 2017-18.  The scheme had had 1,520 successful applications in the current year, helping people in a range of ways such as essential food and utility supplies.

After due consideration, the Discretionary Housing Payments and Local Welfare Provision policies for 2017-18 were approved.

Resolved –

(a)  That the policy for Discretionary Housing Payments as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

(b)  That the policy set out for Local Welfare Provision as set out in Appendix B to the report be approved.