Decision details

A Key Decision (D55289) was taken in May 2022 to accept the DWPs Household Support Fund at that time, along with any further extensions of funding for the Household Support Fund.
A Significant Operational Decision (D56508) was taken in June 2023 Council and democracy (leeds.gov.uk) setting out how Leeds City Council will allocate £14,197,296 funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024. This decision outlined the proposed distribution of the HSF across the city to support vulnerable households, aiming to ensure residents most in need receive support directly and based on the experience of running three previous rounds of the fund.
This decision outlines the detail of the intended Winter Projects included within Significant Operational Decision (D56508), allocating Household Support Fund 4 funding for winter pressures to enable the Council to address emerging and specific pressures that the winter will bring.

The Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support has agreed the proposed levels of expenditure for Winter Projects to be spent by 31st March 2024 as follows:
1. £198,500 to be paid under a Grant Agreement to Voluntary Action - Leeds comprising £100,600 from Household Support Fund 4 and £97,900 from the West Yorkshire Mayoral Fund to to convene a network of small and medium sized third sector and faith organisations to provide Welcome Spaces during the winter of 2023/24. Welcome Spaces operate as open access community venues providing free or pay as you feel refreshments and opportunities for social connection in a warm and welcoming environment.
2. £80,000 to be paid to Care & Repair (Leeds) Limited to undertake a Heating on Prescription Project as commissioned by Public Health and in line with a priority area of work, namely addressing fuel poverty for those in clinical need.
3. £4000 to be paid to West Yorkshire Fire Service to enable the purchase and distribution of Winter Warmth Packs to those deemed in need during a Fire Service Safe & Well Visit, offering immediate, tangible relief pending referral for more comprehensive support to address issues of fuel poverty and/or property maintenance.