The Sustainability and Transformation Cabinet Member has decided to approve the delivery plan for the Household Support Fund 7, providing support to vulnerable households in North Lincolnshire.

URL: https://northlincolnshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1324

Decision Maker: Sustainability and Transformation Cabinet Member

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: 1        HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND 7 (1ST APRIL 2025 – 31ST MAR 2026) – The Director: Transformation and Outcomes submitted a report providing an overview of an extension to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund – HSF7, and considering options on how the fund could be delivered locally.   In October 2021 the government launched a Household Support Fund (HSF) to support those most in need over winter 2021. Councils were given discretion to use the funding flexibly, with the expectation that it be primarily used to support households in the most immediate need with food, energy, water and other essential household bills.   An extension of the fund - HSF7, covering the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 had been introduced. The allocation for North Lincolnshire totalled £2,333,321.69.   The primary objective of HSF7 was to provide crisis support to vulnerable households in most need with the cost of essentials. The secondary objective was to provide preventative support to vulnerable households from falling into, or falling further into, crisis. Authorities are expected to offer support throughout the duration of the fund period and must develop delivery plans to reflect this. The plan must be submitted to the DWP by 4 July 2025 and set out local priorities, the approach for use of the fund and demonstrate the ways in which funding would be allocated.   The council could deliver the scheme through a variety of routes including providing vouchers or cash to households, making direct provision of food and goods, or issuing grants to third parties. Part of the scheme must be run on an application basis; giving residents the opportunity to come forward to ask for support.   A delivery plan which met the conditions of the fund and was broad ranging in its scope, had been developed.   The delivery of HSF7 was in addition to support the council already offered which included open access libraries, packages for older people in leisure, investing in older and disabled persons free bus passes, free car parking, discretionary housing payments and council tax reduction schemes.           The delivery plan would be made publicly available via a dedicated council web page and other inclusive and accessible ways in which the availability of the fund could be promoted across North Lincolnshire would be explored.   Close monitoring of uptake and spend against the intentions of the plan would be undertaken and would inform the returns required by the DWP at quarterly intervals during the period.     Resolved – That the option to deliver HSF7, as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report, that the local delivery model comprises of:   i)        Support for pensioners (energy efficient cooking appliances and courses; low energy items (e.g. light bulbs/electric blankets); online safety/confidence building training and support for those remaining ineligible for Winter Fuel Payments) totalling approximately £1.24m of the fund, and   ii)       Family related support (delivered via schools to pupils/families in need (uniforms/winter coats/shoes); Welfare Assistance (delivered by CAB with conditions); assistance for single/couple households in receipt of Local Council Tax Support) totalling approximately £970K of the fund,   be approved.  

Date of Decision: July 11, 2025