That the Household Support Fund (HSF5) for 6 months from 1 April 2024 be allocated as follows:

1.    Food vouchers issued through Family Hub £50,000.

2.    Care experienced young people £43,400.

3.    Financial support for households with acute financial challenges (All household types, applications via partners) £110,000

4.    Households with a low disposable income, who are not in receipt of welfare benefits (households with children and disabled people) £22,000.

5.    Households, who are in receipt of welfare benefits (households with children and disabled people) £479,000.

6.    Essential linked to energy and water e.g., warm clothing, ovens, for those in receipt of a disability benefit or children under 5 £30,000.

7.    Provision of additional debt and benefit advice £63,757.

8.    Food banks £94,000.

9.    Social supermarkets £77,000.

10. Housing costs to households that are homeless or at risk of homelessness that fall out of scope of other schemes £170,000.

11. Ringfence £86,000 for administrative expenses.

To meet the grant restrictions and prioritise addressing hunger, poverty and housing for those in need within Torbay.

None.

This decision will be implemented immediately.

Guidance was issued on 26 March 2024 and a 6-month funding package from 1 April 2024 of £1,235,356.81 provided for Torbay.

The guidance states that the fund can be used to provide support with food, essentials linked to energy and water, wider essentials, and housing costs not covered by other schemes.  Authorities should particularly consider how they can support those vulnerable households who are ineligible for other government support.

Support can also be provided to fund additional debt and benefits advice.

Reasonable administrative expenses can be charged to the grant.

None.