Issue details

Covid Community Grant

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

Decisions

Agenda items

Documents

  • Grant Decision