Members were updated on the latest position regarding the amounts held in the Housing Benefit provision and reserve and the Director of Finance recommended the release of £3.3 million to the General Fund Balance.  His report also recommended changes to the Benefits budget.

Resolved: - That

(1)  having regard to risk involved, the sum of £2.3 million of the Housing Benefit provision and £1.0 million of the reserve be returned to the General Fund Balance;

(2)  the Housing Benefit Subsidy be increased by £400,000 to reflect the reduced withdrawal of Subsidy by the DWP; and

(3)  the net budget be increased by £700,000 to reflect the increased number of claimants.