Verbal Update
Minutes:
The Chair invited Rose Doran (Senior Adviser, Children & Young People) to provide a verbal update on recent work. Rose raised the following points in her update:
- Moving forward the item name will be changed to “Support for Low Income Households”.
- The Self-Isolation Payment was announced on 20th September, with a three week period for district and unitary authorities to implement. In addition to the core funding for those meeting all the eligibility criteria, a Discretionary Fund of £10 million was announced. Significant variation in levels of demand across the country, which DHSC are analysing to ensure funds are used most effectively. We continue to lobby for additional funding for the discretionary support where needed.
- The Winter Support Grant was announced on 8th November, linked to the ongoing Free School Meals campaigns and £63 million made available during the summer. WSG consists of additional monies for helping people with food and other essentials. It was announced alongside additional funding for the holiday activities fund and for Healthy Start Vouchers from April 2021. Total of £170 million committed to WSG, however concerns were noted around the capacity for local authorities to make the most effective use of the funds before the end of March 2021.
- Rose requested a specific steer from members on how to proceed with lobbying with a view to help develop improved systems, enhanced resilience and tackle long-term underlying drivers of hunger and poverty.
In the subsequent discussion the following points were raised by members:
- While the introduction of the WSG was welcomed, it was noted that the funding would not extend to the 2021 School Summer Holiday. As such it was suggested that further lobbying to secure dedicated funding would be needed shortly.
- A member noted that there had been significant local increases in both rent arrears (in private & social properties) and fuel poverty. Argued that the steps taken so far by the Government were not providing support to vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected. Rose added that the Government focus on food provision has somewhat disregarded underlying factors such as housing affordability.
- Concerns were raised that under Government guidance the Self Isolation Payment Discretionary Fund has not been extended to non-UK nationals due to changes in the rules around recourse to public funds. Rose explained that work is taking place across the LGA on people without Recourse to Public Funds and that a nuanced approach is necessary.
- The short-term £20 increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit was noted as a vital piece of support. Recommended that the LGA should lobby for a permanent increase. Rose explained that work is already ongoing around Universal Credit as well as other welfare payments.
- The publication of the interim report on the National Food Strategy was highlighted as a guide for developing work on food poverty and Free School Meals. Rose explained that the LGA’s work on the NFS is being coordinated by the Children & Young People Board and that officers are in regular contact with a range of stakeholders including the Food Foundation.
Decision
The members of the Resources Board noted the report