URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4740

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Strategic Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning submitted a report seeking approval to grant investment to Citizens Advice Sheffield (CAS) to achieve the City’s aspiration of a world where there is no poverty.   Poverty was already increasing in Sheffield before Covid hit and the pandemic has exacerbated inequalities and disproportionately affected the city’s poorest communities.  Five years on families are still struggling and living standards are not getting any better.   Providing good financial and debt advice to households is an essential part of our approach to tackling poverty.      9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) recognises the nature and the value of the debt and benefits advice currently being provided by Citizens Advice Sheffield to council housing tenants and people in the Adult Care and Wellbeing pathway;   (b) notes the proposal as part of the Council’s continued approach to tackling unfair gaps and where people live long, independent and fulfilling lives free from harm and poverty;   (c) approves grant investment from the Public Health grant reserve of £300,000 to Citizens Advice Sheffield for the proposal as detailed in this report until March 2028;   (d) agrees to the continuation of this service by making of an award of up to £98,000 per annum [£294,000 until March 2028] from Housing Revenue Account as a grant to Citizens Advice Sheffield and to make this a continuing financial commitment for a further 3 years subject to acceptable delivery and compliance with grant terms; and   (e) agrees to the continuation of this service by making of an award of up to £110,800 per annum [£332,400 until March 2028] from general funds as a grant to Citizens Advice Sheffield and to make this a continuing financial commitment for a further 3 years subject to acceptable delivery and compliance with grant terms.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 The recommendations build on the commitments made by the Strategy and Resources Committee on 31st May and 5th July 2022 to support Sheffielders through the cost-of-living crisis and previous grants to Citizens Advice Sheffield.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Do nothing – this was rejected as communities across Sheffield are being impacted on by poverty. Working with CAS, we hope we will help mitigate impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on communities and co-ordinate support and interventions around those that need it the most.  

Date of Decision: November 12, 2025