Members were informed that the Council has historically administered discretionary financial assistance through its Discretionary Housing Payment Policy. The scheme provided short-term support to residents facing housing-related financial difficulties, where Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Costs have not fully met rental liabilities. Consideration was given to approve the implementation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment Policy to replace the existing Discretionary Housing Payment policy following consideration at Policy Overview and Working Group. The Working Group requested the exploration of a supplementary financial support scheme to assist members of the community who did not qualify for various funds.
RESOLVED that:
1. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) Housing Payment Policy be approved.
2. The Council will explore the development of a supplementary financial support scheme to assist members of the community who do not qualify for assistance through either the Council's CRF or Nottinghamshire County Council's CRF, but who are assessed as being on a low income.
Reason
The Policy has been designed to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in decision-making which is consistent with relevant public law principles. The CRF will ensure clear and consistent approaches for residents.