Decision details

There are currently 14 mobile warden schemes across the District in receipt of annual grant funding.   The funding agreed for the smaller independent schemes range from £250 to £2500 per scheme per year. The average cost per scheme provided by Age UK is approximately £1885.

Each scheme employs wardens, many of whom have been in post for many years.   However, each year there is uncertainty over the continuation of their employment contracts as well as uncertainty about the continuation of the service to clients as a result of short-term funding.

Extending the grant period would provide greater job security for the wardens and reassure clients of the continuation of the service in an environment where many services affecting the elderly are being reduced.

The GAC met on 25 October and recommended the following to the Lead Member for Finance:

• Maintain annual grant funding for 2020/21 and begin funding for 3 consecutive years from April 2021 with an annual report at the end of each year to avoid overlap with Service Support Grant funding.

To accept the recommendations of the Grants Advisory Committee (see above).

These decisions were considered in detail and agreed unanimously with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance present for the duration.

The other options were discussed and rejected due the capacity implications of paragraph 11 of the report. The status quo was rejected due the uncertainties alluded to in paragraph 7 of the report.