Decision details

To agree to ring fence of the monies allocated from the Department of Work and Pensions formerly used by them to administer the Social Fund, for a new Local Welfare Provision Scheme

1.      A Local Assistance Scheme be established using the full allocation of funds from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in order to deliver local assistance payments across Surrey.

2.      The proposed delivery model to manage the Local Assistance Scheme be approved as set out in the report submitted.

Reason for decision

To ensure that the Council is able to continue providing vital support for some people with the highest needs in Surrey. In 2011/12, 7,340 awards for emergency cash and essential items were made to Surrey residents via the Crisis loan for living expenses and Community Care Grant elements of the Social Fund. The new scheme will deliver support through a more local and holistic approach which will seek to signpost applicants to more sustainable support wherever possible.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by Adult Social Care Select Committee]