Councillor Ann McLaughlin in the Chair

Reason for Decision:

Cabinet’s direction of 29 June 2015 stated that as part of its 2016/2017 work programme, the Transformation and Resource, Policy and Performance Committee undertake a review of the capacity to offer continued Welfare  Assistance Support during 2016/2017.

Decision:

That the actions introduced in respect of 2015/2016 are continued and that Wirral’s Local Welfare Assistance Support Scheme is therefore maintained, albeit on a moderated basis during 2016/2017 utilising the projected residual funding of £414,820.

Purpose:

The report of the Strategic Director of Transformation and Resources set out the changes to the operation of Wirral’s Local Welfare Assistance scheme and associated financial position, following the implementation of a number of the recommendations made by Cabinet on 29 June 2015.

The matter affects all wards within the Borough. 

At its meeting on 1 February, 2016, the Transformation and Resources Policy and Performance Committee considered a report on the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme and recommended to Cabinet that:

“…that the actions introduced in respect of 2015/2016 are continued and that Wirral’s Local Welfare Assistance Support Scheme is therefore maintained, albeit on a moderated basis during 2016/2017 utilising the projected residual funding of £414,820”.

The minute and report, together with appendices 2 (Local Welfare Assistance Scheme for 2015/16) and 3 (Comparison tables for awards) were attached.

Cabinet also noted the recommendation of the Policy and Performance Transformation and Resources Committee - that the Task and Finish Group that had scrutinised the subject of the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme be reconvened to look beyond April 2017 at alternative strategies that might be put in place when the current funding was expected to run out.

Declaration of Interest – having earlier declared a prejudicial interest due to his serving as a trustee for Wirral Food Bank (a recipient of funding as detailed in the report), Councillor Phil Davies vacated the Chair and left the room whilst the item was considered.