URL: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=800

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: To approve a one-year contract for Citizens Advice West Sussex (CAWS) to deliver a dedicated outreach service to assist residents who are struggling financially to maximise their income by identifying relevant welfare benefits and provide a holistic needs assessment.   To delegate authority to the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to finalise the terms and conditions of, and to approve the entering into of the contract.   Although Horsham is a relatively affluent area, there are many residents across the District that are struggling financially and are unaware of their benefit entitlements. CAWS can address this gap by providing a holistic assessment of the needs of users including those on a low income and maximise their outcomes by identifying the welfare benefits they are entitled to and provide support to access and receive the correct entitlements.   Horsham District Council (HDC) previously funded a similar contract with CAWS through the purchase of a database which identified vulnerable households (LIFT). Continuation of LIFT would not be a cost-effective use of resources as there will be an additional cost of around £40k a year for the database and many of the households listed have already been targeted. It is felt that an outreach service, delivered in locations where access to services is a barrier would be a more cost-effective way of reaching additional vulnerable households.   None

Date of Decision: December 15, 2025