Agenda item

30.        Social Fund Localisation - Decision 12/01939

(Item B1)

(1) Mr Hill and Mr Whittle introduced a report which provided recommendations for a one year Kent-wide pilot scheme which would test out the demands on a local scheme to replace the national scheme of Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans and the various mechanisms proposed for meeting needs. The recommendations for the pilot were that the front end (claim management and decision making) should take place in a specialist team within the KCC Contact Centre. With regard to the help provided to individuals it was proposed that KCC develop mechanisms, if feasible, to meet needs in ways that did not involve giving money to an individual unless this was absolutely necessary. Instead of money, goods and services should be provided and other help given to deal with the presenting problem and, if possible, any underlying issues affecting the individual and their family.

(2)    During the pilot period key information would be collected on the nature of the demands on the scheme, claim and decision making systems would be tested and the various schemes for delivering the goods, services and cash (where necessary) would be evaluated. In addition, further public consultation would take place and the Equality Impact Assessment would be updated in light of experience during the pilot. 

(3)       Mr Whittle and Ms Grosskopf noted comments and answered questions from Members which included the following:

• Mr Whittle undertook to ensure that a copy of the Association of Chief Executives analysis of the progress made by County Councils with the Social Fund Localisation was circulated to Members of the Committee

·        In response to a question on whether there would be a mixture of grants and loans, Ms Grosskopf explained that in the vast majority of cases assistance would be in the form of services or goods in kind and the intention was not to operate a loan scheme. The current national scheme had a loan element of which about 90% was paid back via a deduction from benefits. KCC would not be able to do this and therefore if a local system of loans was set up it would be very difficult and expensive to administer. 

·        Regarding the out of hours service, Ms Grosskopf confirmed that this would be via the Contact Centre which was 24/7. Although there would not be such a comprehensive service in the evening and weekends it would still be possible for the public to speak to someone and receive information about the scheme.

·        A Member mentioned the gap in support for young people leaving care who were a vulnerable group. Ms Grosskopf confirmed that young people leaving care were one category which it was envisaged would receive support within the scheme.

·        In relation to the issue of being able to obtain data on benefits from the Department of Work of Pensions, Ms Grosskopf stated that the regulations and processes for doing this had not yet been put in place by the DWP but it was hoped that this would be done by December. KCC were putting in place contingency arrangements in case this did not happen.

·        Mr Whittle stated that cash payments would only be made in exceptional cases. This was something that would be reviewed during the pilot period.

·        A Member emphasised the importance of having the option of face to face contact with applicants for assistance, particularly in relation to the verification of information from applicants. Ms Grosskopf explained that they hoped to use partners to carry out verification. For example if the referral came via a Domestic Abuse Unit consideration would be given to allowing the unit to verify any documentation from the applicant. 

·        Regarding the role of District Councils, Mr Whittle stated that there had been discussions with all Kent Districts, and that some were willing to be involved in the scheme but not all. It was important that there was universal application of the scheme across the County to avoid potential inequalities. He confirmed that during the pilot contact would be maintained with the Districts.

·        Mr Hill undertook to get a briefing note to all Members prior to the system going live.

·        Ms Grosskopf acknowledged that there were concerns around the impact that the wider welfare reforms may have on the scheme. She explained that this fund would not be able to assist with rent payments as this came under the Discretionary Housing Fund administered by the District Councils.

(4)       RESOLVED that the Cabinet Committee endorse the decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member to agree that Customer & Communities Directorate will be responsible with effect from 1 April 2013 for a one-year Kent-wide pilot scheme to test the demands of a local discretionary social fund and the various mechanisms needed to deliver it so a Kent scheme can be developed to meet the needs of the area.