Issue - meetings

That Members support the current work programme established to support and protect residents who are vulnerable or experiencing poverty as part of community recovery.

The Benefits Manager presented a report to provide an update on community recovery on the theme of poverty.  She provided background information and advised that as part of the pandemic response work a tactical group had been  developed to consider the impacts of poverty and vulnerability on the residents of Flintshire.  She reported on the key considerations as detailed in the report and referred to the work of the tactical group, successful outcomes, the Covid support hub, isolation payments, and tenancy hardship grant.

Councillor Marion Bateman referred to the recent press/media coverage concerning items returned to Amazon and suggested that contact be made with Amazon’s distribution warehouse on Deeside Industrial Park which may be able to offer support to people in poverty.  The Benefits Manager agreed to look into this.

That Members support the current work programme established to support and protect residents who are vulnerable or experiencing poverty as part of community recovery.

Councillor Vicky Perfect commended the Benefits Manager and her team on the delivery of 46,800 meals to shielded or vulnerable households during the pandemic.  She also commented on the success on the Fit, Fed and Read sessions at Flint Castle which were well received and attended.

In response to a question from the Chairman concerning the re-defining of services, the Benefits Manager explained that this meant working in  greater collaboration with partnership organisations.  Responding to the further question from the Chairman on support for people in rent arrears, the Benefits Manager reported on the Discretionary Housing Payment for people in receipt of benefits, and the Hardship Grant which provided support to tenants in private rented accommodation. 

It was agreed that a link to the private sector rent arrears support scheme would be circulated to Members of the Committee.

In response to Councillor Hilary McGuill’s comments around enabling people who had been supported during the pandemic to regain their independence, the Benefits Manager explained that all the programmes were designed, in collaboration with partner organisations, to support people during the Covid-19 crisis and be tapered off when they could support themselves. 

The recommendation in the report was moved by Councillor Paul Cunningham and seconded by Councillor Joe Johnson.

RESOLVED:

That Members support the current work programme established to support and protect residents who are vulnerable or experiencing poverty as part of community recovery.