Issue details

Local Assistance Network (LAN)

As part of the Council’s budget proposals consideration has been given to aims and responsibilities underpinning the Council’s expenditure.  In September 2018 the Cabinet Member decided to consult on the implications of proposals for a reduction in the Local Area Assistance (LAN) budget from £807,000 to £200,000 per annum. 

The LAN is a discretionary grant provided to support individuals in times of short term crisis and hardship.  It is delivered through a partnership with voluntary sector agencies which provide assistance, very largely on an ‘in kind’ basis

 

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.  The ‘ring fence’ was removed in 2015 and since then funding must be drawn from the Council’s base budget. 

 

In October WSCC began a stakeholder engagement exercise in order to gather views regarding changes to the service in the light of a proposed reduction to the LAN budget from April 2019.  This process has informed the proposals that are now being put forward to restructure the investment within a revised financial envelope. These proposals prioritise investment that support Council Statutory duties and provide relief to individuals in the most immediate crisis. The remaining investment is used to offer some strategically targeted support that will enable the providers to make best use of other options to access alternative resources.

 

In summary the revised allocation will continue the existing level of allocation to the food banks and Children and Family Centres and make a reduced contribution to the Citizens Advice offer and social enterprise providers.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/11/2018

Decision due: December 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

District and Borough Councils and Voluntary Sector Partners

Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee – 12 December 2018

 

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.

 

Democratic Services Contact: Erica Keegan Tel: 033 022 26050

Background3: Strategic Budget Options 2019/20

Decisions

Background papers

  • None