Issue - meetings

To consider any recommendations from the extraordinary meeting of the Housing & Wellbeing Committee held on 3 November 2022 in relation to the Cost of Living Report and any Financial Implications.

          The Chair referred to the Extraordinary Meeting of the Housing & Wellbeing Committee that had been held immediately prior to this meeting and confirmed that the minutes from that meeting had been circulated to Members.

          These minutes contained a recommendation at Minute 390 [Cost of Living Report] and the Chair read out the recommendation to the Committee.  This was asking the Committee to approve (1.3) a virement of £180,000 to fund the cost-of-living crisis initiatives identified in recommendation 1.2 from additional interest on balances in 2022/23. It confirmed that if there were any monies outstanding, the matter would be reported back to the Housing & Wellbeing Committee for decision on spending.

          The Chair invited debate on this recommendation.  A question was raised by Councillor Stanley over finances where he sought confirmation that any funding from Arun to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) would be allocated to supporting only Arun residents and not residents from any other authority.  Assurance was provided by the representative in attendance from CAB that this would be the case.

          Councillor Stanley then confirmed that he wished to make an amendment to the recommendation to read as follows (additions have been made using bold):

“To approve (1.3) a virement of £180,000 to fund the cost-of-living crisis initiatives identified in recommendation 1.2 from additional interest on balances in 2022/23. If there are any monies outstanding it comes back to the Housing & Wellbeing Committee for decision on spending on items relating to the cost of living emergency”.

          This amendment was then seconded by Councillor Dixon.

          As there was no discussion on this amendment, it was approved by the Committee.

          The Chair then returned to the substantive recommendation, as amended, which was duly proposed by Councillor Pendleton and seconded by Councillor Cooper.

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

To approve (1.3) a virement of £180,000 to fund the cost-of-living crisis initiatives identified in recommendation 1.2 from additional interest on balances in 2022/23. If there are any monies outstanding it comes back to the Housing & Wellbeing Committee for decision on spending on items relating to the cost of living emergency.

Council officers have been working with local partners to scope and assess the impact of the current and future cost of living pressures in Arun communities.  The findings are outlined in this report which includes information on work being delivered. The report also outlines proposals to provide further support for local communities, families, and residents in greatest need. 

The Wellbeing and Communities Manager provided members with a detailed overview of her report, she first drew members attention to the cost-of-living issues facing many households across the district over the coming months. She explained that the basis of the recommendations before the Committee today had been formed on a partnership basis with Voluntary Action in Arun Community (VAAC) and Citizens Advice. She also advised Members that Council partners Jackie Sumner from VAAC and Luca Bodioli from Citizens Advice were also in attendance to assist with answering any questions members may have.

Following thorough discussion members then voted on the recommendations before them.

A request was made, and the committee agreed that, the voting on the recommendations be undertaken separately. Having duly been proposed and seconded;

The Committee

          RESOLVED

1.2. To approve the following initiatives (with the exception of 1.2.2) totalling £180,000 to support the residents of the district during the cost-of-living pressures, subject to approval by the Policy and Finance Committee of funding (detailed in Appendix A) as the vote was split with 4 For and 4 Against the Chair used her casting vote in favour and this was approved:

          The Committee

 RESOLVED 

To approve (1.2.1). Energy Advice and Support £40,000

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

Not to approve the (1.2.2). Energy Efficiency Home Adviser £40,000 Page 1 Agenda Item 3

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

To approve (1.2.3.) Funding support for local food banks £20,000

The Committee

                     RESOLVED

To approve (1.2.4.) Small grants to VCS organisations £25,000

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

To approve (1.2.5.) Cost of living co-ordinator post £55,000

          In turning to the recommendation to be presented to the Policy and Finance Committee the Chair proposed an amendment to read as follows with additions shown in bold

“1.3. that they approve a virement of £180,000 to fund the cost-of-living crisis initiatives identified in recommendation 1.2 from additional interest on balances in 2022/23. If there are any monies outstanding it comes back to the Housing & Wellbeing Committee for decision on spending”

          This amendment was duly seconded and therefore 

          The Committee

                     RECOMMENDED TO THE POLICY & FINANCE COMMITTEE

That they approve (1.3) a virement of £180,000 to fund the cost-of-living crisis initiatives identified in recommendation 1.2 from additional interest on balances in 2022/23. If there are any monies outstanding it comes back to the Housing & Wellbeing Committee for decision on spending.