Discretionary Local Crisis Payments
Hounslow’s proposal for Local Welfare Provision - replacing the DWP Social Fund 1 April 2013)
Recommendation has been made that Members approve the introduction of a
‘Discretionary Local Crisis Payment’ scheme .
This will be managed alongside other discretionary awards under local control
such as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Homelessness Prevention Fund.
Based on DWP statistics, Hounslow are expecting in excess of 6000 applications for help in
2013/14.
Funding allocated to Hounslow is £599,028 for the next two financial years; the government
will then make a determination as to the future of the provision. This funding is £122,000
below the actual spend for 2011/12.
There is a challenge to deliver the service with the reduced funding; trying to ensure we still
have the ability to assist as many customers in need as possible.
We have therefore identified partners to provide second hand goods; more cost effective
than buying new. We are working with Community Partnerships to develop the food banks for
grocery provision. Other items will be provided through direct payment or a voucher scheme.
!Still lots to be done!
Working partnerships have already been established with the Jobcentre Plus, Housing,
Social Services, Waste Management and Customer Services in relation to the proposed
new scheme. We are continuing to develop the policy and working processes which will
be introduced in April 2013 to deliver the service.
We still need to reach out to the voluntary agencies within Hounslow who can help us to
identify those most in need, and assist them in applying for DLCP where appropriate to
do so.
Please contact us at Helpinghand@hounslow.gov.uk if you are willing to be a referral
agent for the new scheme and we will contact you with further details.
The ‘Discretionary Local Crisis Payment’ scheme will aim to cover all essential items
required by a household following a disaster or crisis, or other identified circumstances,
which are not available to the customer by other means.
We still need to clarify what is available out there from all departments within the Council
and the DWP; we can then provide a definitive list of what the scheme will be able to
provide for. We will then circulate for final comments.
All of this needs to be finalised by the 18 of March 2013 so we can implement the
scheme in time for 1 April 2013.
Draft Policy Summary
The objective will be to help households to establish themselves in the
community, help households remain in the community or to ease exceptional
pressures on households.
Only available to those aged over 18, who are on means tested benefit or low
income under £350 for a single person and £500 for households.
Must be a resident of Hounslow for at least 6 months or provide evidence of
secured private tenancy.
Example of circumstances considered as crisis:
Exceptional pressure due to marital breakdown or long term illness
Unexpected expense due to someone falling ill or a funeral
Loss due to fire or natural disaster
Provisions will include essential furniture; beds, seating, wardrobe/chest of
drawers and essential white goods; cooker/microwave and fridge/freezer.
Kitchen start up kits will also be available. All applications will be considered
on their individual merit.
Application Received:
Direct from Customer
Referrals from:
Internal Departments
External Departments
Housing Associations
Voluntary Organisations
•Refer to recycled
furniture project
•Supply with
relevant supplier
codes
•Arrange
for FEP
•or
barcode
Customer orders goods/
picks up cash
Application Types:
Living expenses
Groceries
Travel Expenses
Furniture
White Goods
Household Items
Application
determined by Local
Welfare Provision
Officer
•Referral to
other
scheme
•Referral to
voluntary
group
More
evidence
required
Other’s may be considered
Furniture, White Goods or Household
Items Award
Yes
Award
No
Living expenses, groceries, travel
expenses or other
Notify customer of decision
Review requested
Decision upheld