URL: https://westsussex.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2414

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue (Cllr Duncan Crow)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Local authorities are preparing for the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1st April 2026. This new 3-year grant introduces a shift from reacting to crises to preventing them, aiming to strengthen local support through a joined-up, holistic approach. It combines emergency assistance with preventative measures to build financial resilience among households and communities.   This key decision will ask the Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue to receive the allocation of grant funding for 3 years (2026 – 2029) and delegate authority of the distribution of funds, within the parameters set out in the grant determination letter, to the Executive Director of Communities.   It is noted that any Award of Contracts over £1m will require a further key decision and any contracts awarded under this threshold will be subject to a non-key decision. Any further Crisis and resilience fund grant receipts will be publicly reported through the council’s Performance and Resources Report.  

Content: Local authorities are preparing for the introduction of the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1st April 2026. This new 3-year grant introduces a shift from reacting to crises to preventing them, aiming to strengthen local support through a joined-up, holistic approach. It combines emergency assistance with preventative measures to build financial resilience among households and communities.   This key decision will ask the Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue to receive the allocation of grant funding for 3 years (2026 – 2029) and delegate authority of the distribution of funds, within the parameters set out in the grant determination letter, to the Executive Director of Communities.   It is noted that any Award of Contracts over £1m will require a further key decision and any contracts awarded under this threshold will be subject to a non-key decision. Any further Crisis and resilience fund grant receipts will be publicly reported through the council’s Performance and Resources Report.   The Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue has approved:   1)   the delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Communities to distribute Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) funding as set out in section 2 of this report, in compliance with Government guidance and subject to Government grant conditions, to support residents experiencing hardship, working in partnership with District and Borough councils, and   2)   that the allocation of funds be balanced according to the greatest need, in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance & Support Services. In the event that additional allocations of Grant Funding are provided to the council these receipts and allocations will be reported through the Performance and Resources Report.   None.

Date of Decision: March 25, 2026