County Councillor Azhar Ali, Chair of the Cabinet Working Group on the Care and Urgent Needs Support Scheme, presented the report of the Cabinet Working Group which set out a review of the scheme's first year of operation.
It was reported that the scheme was working well and fulfilled a valuable role in supporting vulnerable people. It was felt that some relationships with partner organisations could be further developed and work be undertaken to extend the provision of food banks. Responsibility for the scheme, together with initial funding, had been transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions to the County Council and it was noted that the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2015/16 did not include continuation of the funding. The Deputy Leader of the County Council highlighted the importance of continuing to lobby for funding to be continued.
Resolved: - That:
(i) The report of the Cabinet Working Group on the Care and Urgent Needs Support Scheme, set out at Appendix 'A' to the report, now presented, be noted;
(ii) That the recommendations of the Cabinet Working Group on the Care and Urgent Needs Support Scheme, set out at Appendix 'A' to the report, now presented, be supported.