Agenda item

The Area Manager presented a report to ensure that Members were aware of the budgetary implications of funding an Information, Advice and Guidance Service beyond June 2023 and to ensure that they were informed in their decision to commit further funding for this priority area.

Members of the Anti-Poverty Steering Group highly valued the service and the benefit that it provided to individuals together with the socioeconomic impact to the wider community.

To retain the existing service level provision, it was recommended to increase the budget envelope to £107,500 for two years.  This would ensure a budget of £105,000 for 2023/24 and £110,000 for 2024/25.

The report presented two service delivery options with costings for a 12 month period for the existing full service at a cost of £105,000 or the four F2F sessions plus ad hoc telephone/digital service at a cost of £90,000.  Members noted the current pressures of the cost of living crisis which continued to impact on businesses.

RESOLVED:-

(i)        that Members noted the report;

(ii)      that Members agreed to continue with the existing full service delivery option.  Delegating responsibility to the Area Council Manager to oversee the procurement of the service;

(iii)     that Members agreed to commit a budget of £107,500 p.a. for a period of two years from July 2023 – June 2025, with the option to extend for a further year.