Policy Development Group on Anti-Poverty

Objectives

• Ensure maximum outcomes for £1M investment

• Agree targeted and directed activity to deliver best outcomes

• Identify gaps in the current offer

• Track progress of agreed activity

Current OfferUniversal Services

•School Meals capped at £1.25•Leisure – free swimming•AGMA Energy Switch Initiative•School Clothing Awards – 1,200 at cost of £33,800•Increasing low pay in the Council•Free internet access•OSS development•Statutory Child Poverty Plan

Current OfferSpecific Services

•Welfare Rights Service•Money Skills•Winter Warmth Strategy – Get Me Toasty•Third Sector Support•Food Poverty via Health•Financial support for Local Council Tax Scheme•Expenditure on DHP’s•Flexibility around Council Tax payments•Local Welfare Provision

Welfare Reform ActivityUnder Occupancy•Publicity in partnership with housing providers•Direct written communication with claimants•Promotion of DHP’s•Signposting to partner agencies•Data sharing with landlordsBenefit Cap•Review of all Supported Accommodation •Data sharing with landlords•Individual claimant reviews by Help With Rent Team•Promotion of DHP’sLocal Welfare Provision•Scheme promotion•Close working with partners•Consultation after 6 months

Emerging Issues

• Need more provision for benefits advice, debt advice and money skills

• Case workers in the field finding it increasingly difficult to make referrals

• Pressures of welfare reform including ESA and PIP

• Impact of DWP sanctioning regime

• Increasing demand on the 3rd sector – in particular food banks

• Increase in Payday lending

Proposals

• Increasing support services dealing with debt advice and money skills

• Supporting Food Banks

• Enhance Credit Union offer

• Develop High Street alternative to companies such as Brighthouse

• Support ESA and PIP appeals to Tribunal

• Additional support for customers suffering financial hardship including low paid workers

Financial Proposals

• Increased money skill and debt advice £225K• Food Bank Support £105K• Enhancing Credit Union offer £165K• Advocacy £115K• Developing High Street Offer £260K• General support activity £30K• Contingency £100K• Total £1M