Issue - meetings

Report of the Welfare Reform Member Reference Group

Further to Minute No. 27 of the meeting held on 18 July 2013, the Cabinet considered the report of the Welfare Reform Member Reference Group which provided an update on the impact of the implementation of Welfare Reform legislation so far; work that partners and the Council are doing collectively around the mitigation of impact where possible; and the preparatory work for further Welfare Reform legislation impacts.

Decision Made:

That:

(1)       the continuing energy and commitment from partners and within the Council to mitigate the impact wherever possible be noted and encouraged;

(2)       the considerable progress made to date on key Partnership Action Plan themes as set out in Section 2 of the report be noted;

(3)       the update on the Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme (ELAS) as set out in Section 2 of the report be noted;

(4)       the emerging issues and proposed mitigation measures be noted and endorsed; and

(5)       the Cabinet extended its thanks and deep appreciation of the sterling work and commitment of volunteers across the Borough delivering support to those in need.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the Council is fully aware of the emerging impact of Welfare Reform, enable the Council to focus efforts and capacity in the most appropriate ways to try and mitigate the impact of Welfare Reform wherever possible; and to put into place any mitigating actions if possible and work with partners to do so.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The mitigation measures had been developed in partnership with key organisations such as JobCentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau, One Vision Housing and the voluntary, community and faith sector.  Various options had been discussed and suggested at the vibrant and well attended partner workshops as well as an internal workshop. All of these had been considered for deliverability and viability. The options put forward are those that are considered to have a practical and realistic outcome.