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Local Welfare Provision
LeicestershireLeicestershire Welfare Provision
Simon LawrenceProgramme DirectorLeicestershire County Council
12th September 2013
Presentation Content:
• Relevant context in Leicestershire• Year 1 arrangements and key metrics• Year 2 proposals• Questions/comments
Leicestershire
• Population of 650,500 with an above average older population
• Politics:• Two-tier County administration:
Conservative controlled County Council, 7 District Councils.
• Labour controlled unitary City Council• Conservative controlled Rutland County
Council
• The county is ranked 138 out of 149 top tier authorities in England for deprivation (where 1 is the most deprived).
• Leicestershire is relatively affluent county, but with some areas of deprivation concentrated in the former mining areas of the county and in parts of Loughborough
• Some issues of rural isolation and deprivation
Year 1: 2013/14 Value
Programme funding £886,854
Administrative funding £187,399
Year 2: 2014/15 Value
Programme funding £886,854
Administrative funding £171,771
Government Settlement for Leicestershire:
Approved scheme defined as:
1.Receive applications (by phone, web and referral)2.Process the application which would involve application of a points based eligibility criteria3.Grant award (vouchers, cash (Paypoint) for food/ fuel/ travel and bank transfer in extreme circumstances)
Options considered for year 1:(in order of preference)•A scheme run by District Councils linking to other emergency funds, Troubled Families service and other locality providers•A scheme run by the County Council’s Service Centre•Outsource to a third party provider
Key considerations:
•Confidence in having a scheme up and running for the 1st April 2013•Cost of administration•Nervousness about managing a significantly over subscribed service•Locality based solution and link to District Council emergency funds (Council Tax and Housing support)
Applications
Leicestershire & Northgate have helped over 400 people since the scheme was launched in April 2013
Challenges
& Observations Fair and stable process – but one size fits all
Promise of a tailored service not fulfilled
Reporting on trends of awards and applications patchy
Control over fulfilment methods and related reporting to gain insight and link up with local support services
Year 1- Northgate
Limited additional costs – despite reputation
Good value for money
Options considered for year 2:(in order of preference)•A scheme run by District Councils•A scheme run by the Council’s Customer Service Centre•Service run by the voluntary sector•Tendering an outsourced contract
Key considerations:
•Formal link to District services (Housing, benefits), Troubled Families service and DWP •Integration of Credit Unions•Inclusion of Furniture Recycling Organisations into the fulfilment•Match funding in third sector with underspend, to support services addressing applicants underlying issues•Future funding uncertainty
Leicestershire Welfare Provision: Summary of Decision Filter
Filter 1: Minimum Eligibility
Qualifying Criteria
•Resident of Leics
•In receipt of benefits
•Had an emergency (flood, fire, crime)
•Fleeing a violent situation
Disqualifying Criteria
•Have previously claimed in last 12 months
•Have savings or capital in excess of £1500
•Have insurance to over emergency
Filter 2: Disqualifying Questions (as other funding is available)
If claim relates ONLY for one of the following, the applicant is disqualified : no emergency housing costs; medically related; work related expenses; debt repayments; vehicle costs; DWP sanction; TV/Radio/Internet costs
Filter 3: Reasons for request
The following circumstance have been weighted in descending order:
1. Acute domestic difficulties; help to stay in your home or community
2. Leaving a care home, hospital, prison
3. Minor home repairs to prevent significant discomfort (broken window); items to help settle in a new setting; fuel costs; food costs
Other help available - delay in benefit payments; rent and council tax support
Additional weighting will be given to those with a recognized long term condition, disability or mental illness, or those with children.
Filter 4: Household circumstances
Scoring & filter process
High, medium or low priority established