Issue details

Local Assistance Network (LAN) Funding

The Council currently budgets to spend £0.807m providing discretionary assistance to households in crisis situations through the Local Assistance Network (LAN).  The LAN is delivered through a partnership with voluntary sector agencies which provide non cash based assistance, very largely on an ‘in kind’ basis, to households facing hardship as a result of a crisis or emergency. 

 

The scheme was launched in 2013 when funding for discretionary welfare provision was transferred from the benefits system to local government and ‘ring-fenced’ for this purpose.  Given that this funding no longer exists the cost of the LAN falls entirely on the Council’s base budget.  In the current financial context it is not considered sustainable to maintain expenditure on the LAN at the current level and a significant reduction is therefore being proposed. A period of engagement will begin to gather evidence to inform a further Cabinet Member decision in the context of an impact assessment and to establish the priorities for the use of this funding going forward.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/08/2018

Decision due: September 2018 by Cabinet Member for Adults and Health

Lead member: Councillor Amanda Jupp amanda.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Ivan Western, Commissioning Manager Housing & Employment Email: ivan.western@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23740.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

 

The decision will be followed by a period of engagement and representations to inform future funding. 

Consultees

District and Borough Councils and Voluntary Sector Partners

Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee

 

Democratic Services Contact: Erica Keegan Tel: 033 022 26050

Background3: A Council that Works for the Community

Decisions

Background papers

  • None