Decision details

The Cabinet will be presented with a further report on options for continuing the Local Emergency Support Service from 2015/16 following the removal of the funding for the Local Welfare Provision by central Government and be asked to agree a way forward.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the continued funding of a Local Emergency Support Service, at a reduced level of £300,000 for 2015-16, using the additional Revenue Support Grant in the local government financial settlement issued on 3 February 2015;

(ii)  Agree to the funding of the development of the CommunityConnect knowledge platform to support the Community Checkpoints model being developed and to agree to waive the Council’s Contract Rules for this pump priming in recognition of the development work that has already been completed on this initiative;

(iii)  Agree that a fixed term post be established to accelerate progress on the development of alternative proposals for a local safety net;

(iv)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and the Chief Finance Officer, to award:

·  The contract with Harmony House for a six month period from 1 April 2015 by a waiver under the Council’s Contract Rules.

·  Funding towards the development of CommunityConnect knowledge platform for not more than £80,000 and to waive the Council’s Contract Rules accordingly.