Agenda item

Members were asked to consider and approve in principle an opportunity to participate in a cross-government initiative to develop strategies to help combat loneliness.

Juliet Whitworth, Research and Information Manager, introduced the report and explained that it builds on work from last year with some North West authorities. Juliet explained the following points to the board:

-          The board has been approached by the Cabinet Office to explore how the data standard could be used to help people find services to combat loneliness. It was also explained that the LGA have been asked to put in a bid for piloting with a number of authorities and focussing that on loneliness.

-          A grant of £150,000 would allow the LGA external expert help to develop this project and support authorities taking part.

-          Risks are outlined in the paper under section 14 regarding local authorities taking part. 

The Board were asked to consider and approve the work going forward with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Decision:

-          The Board agreed, in principle, to participate in this initiative to develop strategies to help combat loneliness.