Decision details

To seek approval in relation to the proposed spend of the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the Household Support Fund (HSF) would be extended for a further twelve months, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Funding of £742 million will be provided to enable the HSF extension in England, plus additional funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion, as usual. As has been done for previous schemes, The Fund will be made available to County Councils and Unitary Authorities in England to support those most in need.

The plans for HSF7 are outlined below and do not significantly differ from previous HSF awards. Once agreed the plan will be entered into the DWP delivery plan template and require signing by both s151 Officer and Cabinet Member.

Decision

That:

(1)  the proposed expenditure allocations as per paragraph 1.5 of this report which will be fully funded by £4,291,811.27 grant from the Household Support Fund (HSF) for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 be approved; and

(2)  the Assistant Director Communities be authorised to distribute the Household Support Fund allocated to Sefton by the UK Government in line with the plan.

Rationale and Evidence for the Recommendations

The external revenue funds need to be allocated to various projects that support households in need in Sefton in line with the criteria set out by the UK Government.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

          None