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.