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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 Offer Universal Services. School Meals capped at £1.25
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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 Activity Under Occupancy • Publicity in partnership with housing providers • Direct written communication with claimants • Promotion of DHP’s • Signposting to partner agencies • Data sharing with landlords Benefit Cap • Review of all Supported Accommodation • Data sharing with landlords • Individual claimant reviews by Help With Rent Team • Promotion of DHP’s Local 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