RESOLVED:
1. That the utilisation of government funding towards Citizens Advice New Forest of £35,000 to fund a Debt Supervisor for two years to build up resilience with debt advice to support our residents, be approved.
2. That the Council continues to work with our partners to explore further funding options and initiatives to support our communities.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
As set out in the report.
KEY DECISION:
No.
PORTFOLIO:
People and Places.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:
As set out in the report.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):
None.
DISCUSSION:
The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and expressed support for the proposals, which ensured that Citizen Advice New Forest could add targeted support to the District’s most vulnerable residents.
The Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and High Streets added their support to the recommendations, and highlighted the wider support to Citizens Advice provided by the Council, alongside the specific benefits of wider training for volunteers that the targeted support would provide.
The Leader of the Opposition welcomed the initiative and encouraged similar assistance to other groups in need such as children in poverty.