Discretionary Local Crisis Payments Hounslow’s proposal for Local Welfare Provision - replacing the DWP Social Fund 1 April 2013)

Recommendation has been made that Members approve the introduction of a ‘Discretionary Local Crisis Payment’ scheme .

This will be managed alongside other discretionary awards under local control such as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Homelessness Prevention Fund.

Based on DWP statistics, Hounslow are expecting in excess of 6000 applications for help in 2013/14.

Funding allocated to Hounslow is £599,028 for the next two financial years; the government will then make a determination as to the future of the provision. This funding is £122,000

below the actual spend for 2011/12.

There is a challenge to deliver the service with the reduced funding; trying to ensure we still have the ability to assist as many customers in need as possible.

We have therefore identified partners to provide second hand goods; more cost effective than buying new. We are working with Community Partnerships to develop the food banks for

grocery provision. Other items will be provided through direct payment or a voucher scheme.

!Still lots to be done!Working partnerships have already been established with the Jobcentre Plus, Housing, Social Services, Waste Management and Customer Services in relation to the proposed new scheme. We are continuing to develop the policy and working processes which will

be introduced in April 2013 to deliver the service.

We still need to reach out to the voluntary agencies within Hounslow who can help us to identify those most in need, and assist them in applying for DLCP where appropriate to

do so.

Please contact us at Helpinghand@hounslow.gov.uk if you are willing to be a referral agent for the new scheme and we will contact you with further details.

The ‘Discretionary Local Crisis Payment’ scheme will aim to cover all essential items required by a household following a disaster or crisis, or other identified circumstances,

which are not available to the customer by other means.

We still need to clarify what is available out there from all departments within the Council and the DWP; we can then provide a definitive list of what the scheme will be able to

provide for. We will then circulate for final comments.

All of this needs to be finalised by the 18 of March 2013 so we can implement the scheme in time for 1 April 2013.

Draft Policy SummaryThe objective will be to help households to establish themselves in the

community, help households remain in the community or to ease exceptional pressures on households.

Only available to those aged over 18, who are on means tested benefit or low income under £350 for a single person and £500 for households.

Must be a resident of Hounslow for at least 6 months or provide evidence of secured private tenancy.

Example of circumstances considered as crisis:Exceptional pressure due to marital breakdown or long term illness

Unexpected expense due to someone falling ill or a funeralLoss due to fire or natural disaster

Provisions will include essential furniture; beds, seating, wardrobe/chest of drawers and essential white goods; cooker/microwave and fridge/freezer.

Kitchen start up kits will also be available. All applications will be considered on their individual merit.

Application Received:

Direct from CustomerReferrals from:

Internal DepartmentsExternal DepartmentsHousing Associations

Voluntary Organisations

Review requested

Furniture, White Goods or Household Items Award

Application Types:Living expenses

GroceriesTravel Expenses

FurnitureWhite Goods

Household ItemsOther’s may be considered

Application determined by Local

Welfare Provision Officer

Award

More evidence required

Yes No

Living expenses, groceries, travel expenses or other

Notify customer of decision

Decision upheld

•Refer to recycled furniture project

•Supply with relevant supplier

codes

•Arrange for FEP

•or barcode

Customer orders goods/ picks up cash

•Referral to other

scheme•Referral to voluntary

group