The Council is working
with Parish Councils and community groups to ensure there is a
coordinated and effective Covid-19 response that supports the most
vulnerable people in our communities.
During the initial
national lockdown phase of the response back in March, the Council
provided some core essentials such as hand sanitiser. This was when
similar challenges were faced across the whole area and a national
system was in place that meant many people needed to stay indoors
and others shield from the virus due to pre-existing medical
conditions.
In the current phase of the pandemic it is expected that community
groups could be required to support people at short notice. This is
due to the fact individuals and families may be asked to
self-isolate without warning. However, no national programme of
groups needing to shield is in place at this
time. In this phase there is also a need to ensure support
is available, for items such as food or heat and light, for anyone
who is in acute and urgent financial hardship. This one-off support
would fill the gap while further support is put in place, such as a
benefits application or self-isolation grant.
A funding pot of £50,000 is to be made available for groups
to ensure support is available at a local level when it is needed.
Of the total pot, small upfront grants of between £100 and
£400 (based on the number of homes in the community) are to
be offered to each parish/local community group so money is readily
available for those who need it.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/10/2020
Decision due: 6 November 2020 by Lead Cabinet member for Resources
Lead member: Lead Cabinet member for Resources
Lead director: Chief Executive
Department: Chief Executive's Services
Contact: Gareth Bell, Communications and Communities Service Manager Email: gareth.bell@scambs.gov.uk Tel: 01954 713262.
Consultees
Community groups were engaged in September and indicated that funding would be helpful.
Purpose of Report: None