Decision details

COVID 19 Advice, Guidance and Support Grant Funding - JAN21/CMDN/64

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

With the approval of the Chair of the Growth, Environment and Resource Scrutiny waiver of call-in procedure has been invoked. This procedure has been invoked following the urgency required in providing services to vulnerable residents dealing with the impact of Covid 19.

 

The Cabinet Member approved the award of grant funding to the following organisations for the period of 12 months, up to 31 March 2021:

 

1.         Citizens Advice Peterborough - £294,790.68

 

2.         Kingsgate Community Church (Care Zone) - £95,771.40

 

3.         Cambridgeshire Community Foundation - £20,000

 

4.         Peterborough Council of Voluntary services - £53,000

Reasons for the decision:

The Winter Support Grant and Local Welfare Assistance funding has been provided by Government to local authorities specifically to support people meet their energy costs and other essential areas of need, including free school meals during the school holidays.  Without this support, organisations will not be able to meet the increased demand for their service and many people will therefore not receive the support they require.

Alternative options considered:

Do not fund the organisations to deliver the support.  This has been rejected as the Winter Support Grant has been provided by Government to local authorities specifically to support people meet their energy costs and other essential needs during the pandemic.  Not funding the organisations will result in fewer people receiving the support they need and lead to increased poverty, poor health and increased referrals to statutory services.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None.

Background Documents:

None.

Urgent item?: Yes

Publication date: 14/01/2021

Date of decision: 14/01/2021

Accompanying Documents: