Decision details

To approve the award of specific grants to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations for the continued funding of specialist Information, Advice and Guidance services relating to the Peterborough Community Assistance Scheme from 1^st August 2017 up to 31^st March 2018.

PCAS delivers an essential service to those clients who are in financial crisis.  The scheme acts as a safety net to the city and supports people who in many cases cannot afford the basics such as food, energy or furniture.  As Universal Credit rolls out to families and couples from November 2017, demand for support and services will likely increase.

Should funding for PCAS not continue, the impact to the Council and wider public sector will be significant and would lead to increased demand on services across numerous areas.  

Cease funding to PCAS – this option is rejected for the reasons set out above in terms of the impact it would have to council services, additional costs and impact to vulnerable people.

            Fund PCAS at a reduced level – this option is also rejected as continuity of funding is required until the procurement exercise for a generic information, advice and guidance service (including foodbanks, furniture recycling and credit union facilities).

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