Agenda and decisions
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Media
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Cabinet Member Introductions Welcome to the public and introduction of participants. Additional documents: Decision: Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, welcomed the public to the meeting and introduced the responsible officer. The purpose of the meeting was to: 1. Note the activity enabled by the Crisis and Resilience Fund 2. Agree to the proposed distribution for the 2026 allocation 3. Delegate authority to the Head of Economic Development and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet member, to agree the distribution of smaller grants to enable the Community Coordination theme. 4. Delegate authority to the Head of Economic Development and Communities, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to finalise grant terms
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Declarations of Interests To receive any declarations of interest by the Cabinet Member present. Additional documents: Decision: There were no declarations of interest from the Cabinet Member or Officers.
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Officer Overview of the Report Officer to provide a brief verbal summary of the report with key details relating to the decision, providing any updates that need to be considered by the Cabinet Member when taking the decision.
Purpose To update on the implementation of the Crisis and Resilience Fund
Recommendation That the Cabinet Member for Finance resolves to:
Additional documents: Decision: The Head of Economic Development and Communities introduced the report and provided background information on the fund. The Cabinet Member was advised that the Crisis and Resilience Fund was a central government funding programme administered through Gloucestershire County Council to support households facing financial challenges, particularly in relation to food costs, utility bills and wider household budget pressures. It was noted that the fund replaces and expands upon the previous Household Support Fund, which had been introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Whilst the funding mechanism was new, the approach of allocating funding to district and borough councils followed an established pattern used under the Household Support Fund arrangements. The Cabinet Member heard that the Crisis and Resilience Fund placed greater emphasis on preventative work, with a focus on building household resilience and supporting residents before they reach a point of crisis. The Council's intention was therefore to work with local partners to provide support that improves residents' financial wellbeing and reduces reliance on emergency financial assistance. The proposed allocations included direct grant awards to a number of established organisations delivering support across the district. These were:
It was explained that funding for the North and South Cotswolds Food Banks would be used to provide embedded advice services, delivered through Citizens Advice, alongside emergency food provision. The objective was to support individuals accessing food banks to improve their financial circumstances and reduce the likelihood of requiring ongoing emergency support. The Officer also noted that the purpose and expected outcomes of each grant were detailed within Annex B of the report. In addition, a sum of £40,000 had been set aside for smaller grants to community organisations operating at a local settlement level across the district. Officers confirmed that discussions were ongoing with prospective recipients and that there was a need to distribute the funding promptly given that the programme was already one quarter into the financial year. The report also included provision for:
Members were reminded that the recommendations also sought delegated authority for the Head of Economic Development and Communities, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to determine the allocation of the smaller grants and, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to finalise the associated funding arrangements.
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Confirmation of Comments Confirmation of comments received by officer or Democratic Services. Additional documents: Decision: No additional comments had been received since the publication of the agenda.
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Public Questions The Cabinet Member may allow members of the public present at the meeting to speak or make representations. However, all questions must relate directly to the decision being discussed. If a question is deemed irrelevant by the Cabinet Member the member of the public will be advised where to direct their question. Additional documents: Decision: There were no public questions.
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Cabinet Member Questions The Cabinet Member may request clarifications on the report and the proposed decision, including any alternative options for consideration. Additional documents: |
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Decision The Cabinet Member will verbally confirm their decision, stating whether they:
a) Accept the officer’s recommendation b) Make a different decision contrary to the recommendation, or c) Refer the decision to a Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet Member must inform the Democratic Services Officer of the reason for the decision, which will be officially recorded on the Decision Notice. Additional documents: Decision: The Cabinet Member confirmed that, having reviewed the information and analysis provided within the report, they were satisfied that the proposed allocations would support the Council's objectives and provide meaningful benefits to residents and communities across the district.
It was noted that the organisations identified for funding were well-established and highly regarded providers of support within the Cotswold District. The Cabinet Member expressed their view that the proposed expenditure represented good value for money and would contribute positively to the wellbeing and resilience of local people.
Resolved that:
1. The activity enabled by the Crisis and Resilience Fund be noted. 2. The proposed distribution of the 2026 Crisis and Resilience Fund allocation be approved. 3. Delegated authority be granted to the Head of Economic Development and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to determine the distribution of smaller grants to support the community coordination theme. 4. Delegated authority be granted to the Head of Economic Development and Communities, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to finalise grant terms and conditions, including arrangements relating to the Cotswold Food Network.
The Cabinet Member noted that the report clearly set out the evidence, analysis and rationale supporting the recommended allocations. The proposals were considered to align with the Council's aims and objectives, with the funding levels being reasonable, proportionate and targeted towards areas of identified need.
The approved allocations were expected to deliver tangible benefits for individuals, families and communities across the district through the provision of preventative support, financial wellbeing initiatives and crisis intervention services. The Cabinet Member also recognised the strong reputation and value of the organisations receiving funding and was satisfied that the allocations represented an effective and prudent use of public funds. |