Issue - meetings

(a)          That the requirements of the Socio-economic Duty be noted; and

(b)          That the Committee is assured of the Council’s preparedness in meeting the new duty.

The Strategic Policy Advisor introduced a report on the Council’s preparations for the commencement of the socio-economic duty.  This was a statutory requirement upon relevant public bodies to have due regard to the need to reduce inequalities of outcomes resulting from socio-economic disadvantage.  The report was being shared with all Overview & Scrutiny Committees to raise awareness of the new obligations.

The Strategic Policy Advisor and Benefits Manager gave a joint presentation covering the following:

·         What is the Socio-economic Duty and what does it do?

·         Key terms

·         Inequalities of outcomes

·         Examples of poverty

·         Demonstrating due regard - audit trail

·         Meeting the duty - what we are doing

·         Better outcomes

·         Case study

The overall aim of the duty was to deliver better outcomes to people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage by listening to those individuals and demonstrating due regard.  The legislation linked with various work streams to tackle poverty which was identified as one of the priorities within the Council Plan.  The Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee would be leading on the whole Council Plan poverty theme and would receive regular reports.

Councillor Vicky Perfect welcomed the initiatives to address food poverty, particularly those helping pupils during school holidays.

In response to a question from Councillor Paul Shotton, the Benefits Manager provided information on Welsh Government financial support to tackle food poverty and a joint initiative between the Council and NEWydd Catering & Cleaning Ltd on a referral scheme to provide support to families in need.

Councillor Patrick Heesom welcomed the work being undertaken to manage social changes in society.

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillors Joe Johnson and David Evans.

RESOLVED:

(a)          That the requirements of the Socio-economic Duty be noted; and

(b)          That the Committee is assured of the Council’s preparedness in meeting the new duty.