Agenda item

(a)  That the policy for Local Welfare Provision 2018-19 as set out in Appendix C to the report be approved.

(b)  That Cabinet receive a report on the first half year spend and the reasons for the spend including the impact of Universal Credit as soon as this was available.

The Lead Member for Corporate Finance & Housing introduced a report that sought approval for the revised Council policy for 2018-19 in respect of Local Welfare Provision.

The policy was broadly unchanged from the current year however the Cabinet expressed concern about the potential additional demand for support arising from the roll out Universal Credit in April 2018.  It was noted that the funding had been profiled to take account of this and it was agreed that the Cabinet would consider a progress report in six months to determine whether any additional resources or actions were needed.  In response to a question it was confirmed that the Council was seeking to raise awareness that Universal Credit would be introduced to help people manage their finances accordingly.

At the conclusion of the discussion the policy was approved.

Resolved –

(a)  That the policy for Local Welfare Provision 2018-19 as set out in Appendix C to the report be approved.

(b)  That Cabinet receive a report on the first half year spend and the reasons for the spend including the impact of Universal Credit as soon as this was available.