Decision details

Executive’s approval was sought to enter into a Service Level Agreement between Derbyshire County Council (DCC) and Bolsover District Council which set out a funding arrangement for the grant of Household Support fund.

In October 2021, the government announced that a Household Support Fund grant (HSF), would be made available to county councils and unitary authorities in England to support those most in need over the winter.  The Council was awarded funding to cover a six month period, October 2021 to March 2022 (Tranche 1), and a further six month period, April 2022 to September 2022 (Tranche 2).

A third tranche of Household Support Fund had been announced to cover the period, October 2022 to March 2023, with the purpose of the grant being to provide support to vulnerable households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills, essential living costs and housing costs.

Following discussion, it was agreed that DCC would retain a portion of their grant funding to assist vulnerable households with regard to food and utility bills, and the Council would utilise the grant of approximately £100,000 - £114,000 around housing costs.

A Service Level Agreement had been provided by DCC, which was appended to the report, and set out how the grant must be administered along with reporting information.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED that the Council enters into a Service Level Agreement for the Household Support Fund, with Derbyshire County Council, for the grant of approximately £100,000 - £114,000

(Assistant Director Housing Management, Enforcement and Customer Services)

Reasons for Recommendation

This grant was an opportunity to financially assist vulnerable households across the District to prevent homelessness and to sustain tenancies.

In order to receive this grant the Service Level Agreement needed to be signed. The Council’s legal team had approved the agreement in its current form.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Do nothing. This option was rejected as to refuse the Service Level Agreement would mean residents in the District could not benefit from the funding and may suffer financial hardship.