Issue - meetings

Update by Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll & Bute, Department for Work and Pensions

The Group considered an update from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which detailed their response to Covid-19 as well as statistical information for the Argyll & Bute area and information on the Flexible Support Fund; Job Finding Support; Job Entry Targeted Support; the Kickstart scheme; the Restart Programme; Virtual Youth Hubs, local Job Centres; and assistance in finding work being provided to 18-24 year olds.

Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends, asked for clarification around the impact of volunteering on benefits. Lynn confirmed that there was no restriction on volunteering, noting that people were encouraged to volunteer when initially registering for benefits. Lynn noted that only in individual circumstances, where an individual had reported health restrictions which had left them unable to work, would DWP investigate volunteering where it raised questions around this. 

Decision

The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Update by Lynn Campbell, Customer Service Leader WS Inverclyde/Argyll and Bute, Department for Work and Pensions, dated January 2021, submitted)