Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report presenting a contingency plan for funding the Argyll and Bute Flexible Food and Fuel Fund for 2025/26, leveraging a combination of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) and earmarked reserves for Revenues and Benefits administration works.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.      acknowledged the work done to date to directly support people to cope with food and fuel poverty and other cost of living pressures, with over £4.3m in financial benefits delivered and almost 2,000 households and 800 children receiving the help that they need;

2.      recognised the importance of extending the fund so that people in Argyll and Bute who need help can continue to get support;

3.      welcomed and agreed the plan to extend the Flexible Food and Fuel Fund to 31 March 2026, supported by the following funding sources:

• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (60% of £204,000): £122,400

• Earmarked reserves: £189,600

• Total cost for 2025/26: £312,000

4.      noted the recent correspondence to the Committee from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau and agreed that officers would continue to explore potential for any future additional partnership working that may be possible.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Finance dated 13 January 2025, submitted)