URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8121

Decision Maker: Director Public Health (Sarah McNulty)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To approve funding of £0.0475m to cover the cost of the delivery of a targeted family benefit and income maximisation programme to contribute to addressing child and family poverty in the borough. The funding is to cover additional capacity in Citizens Advice Knowsley to deliver the programme which includes outreach activity, awareness sessions, establishment of referral pathways and one to one support for families with children through child and family settings.

Content: To approve funding of £0.0475m to cover the cost of the delivery of a targeted family benefit and income maximisation programme to contribute to addressing child and family poverty in the borough. The funding is to cover additional capacity in Citizens Advice Knowsley to deliver the programme which includes outreach activity, awareness sessions, establishment of referral pathways and one to one support for families with children through child and family settings. That the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Health Cabinet Member are recommended to agree to allocate £0.0475m to fund Citizens Advice Knowsley for the delivery of a family benefit and income maximisation programme. Citizens Advice Knowsley is a specialist provider of impartial support and advice in the community. The programme was initially funded by the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Commissioning Board as part of its commitment in local areas to tackle health inequalities. However, funding ended prematurely and given the positive action undertaken and links made the decision to end the programme at such an early stage was rejected.  Child and Family poverty is a significant challenge in borough with evidence demonstrating that maximisation of benefits and income is an effective approach to mitigate impacts of poverty, so continuation of programme deemed important to embed and enable approach to be incorporated into practice.  

Date of Decision: March 17, 2026