Decision details

The Cabinet will be presented with a report on the range of emergency welfare funds addressing the austerity faced in Barking and Dagenham in light of the introduction of universal credits, and be asked to approve arrangements for the future of the Local Emergency Support Service within that context.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Note the background information and context around welfare reform and the funds which the Council makes available to those in priority need;

(ii)  Agree to cease funding a Local Emergency Support Service in Barking and Dagenham and use the remaining additional revenue support grant to develop two pilots to support identified cohorts of vulnerable residents to build self reliance; and

(iii)  Request that the Strategic Welfare Reform Group complete a further, more holistic assessment of welfare support across employment, housing, and general assistance, as part of the Ambition 2020 proposals, with a 3-5 year timeline, to return to Cabinet later in the year.