Agenda item

For decision. 

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     Approve the Crisis and Resilience Fund delivery plan for 2026/27.

2.     Approve delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, to adjust funding allocations within the plan as required.

The Executive Member for Finance submitted a report for Executive's consideration.

The purpose of the report was to seek approval of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) delivery plan for 2026/27 and to obtain delegated authority to amend the allocation of funding within the plan to ensure it remained responsive to local needs.

Executive was advised that the Crisis and Resilience Fund had been introduced by Government following the 2025 Spending Review to replace the Household Support Fund and elements of Discretionary Housing Payments, providing a more structured approach to crisis support and long-term financial resilience. The submitted decision also included support for veterans and those eligible for Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Members were advised that the Crisis Resilience Fund should be viewed as part of the Welfare Strategy and not in isolation. 

Members noted that Middlesbrough Council had been allocated £3,999,285 for 2026/27, with indicative funding for future years, and that a delivery plan was required to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Executive heard that the Fund was designed to support low-income households experiencing financial shocks, while also investing in activities that improved financial resilience and reduced the likelihood of future crises.

It was reported that the delivery plan included a range of measures, including direct crisis payments, housing-related support, resilience services such as debt and budgeting advice, and community coordination aimed at strengthening local support networks.

Members were informed that the scheme adopted a person-centred approach, incorporating both proactive payments to vulnerable groups and an application-based system to ensure support could be targeted according to individual circumstances.

The Executive noted that the approach also provided transitional arrangements for residents previously supported through the Household Support Fund, to avoid a sudden withdrawal of assistance and potential financial hardship.

It was highlighted that the scheme would be delivered in partnership with internal services and external organisations, ensuring alignment with existing Council support mechanisms and avoiding duplication of provision.

Members acknowledged that the Fund would be fully financed through Government funding, with administration costs met from the allocation, and that the scheme would contribute to the Council’s priorities in reducing poverty, supporting vulnerable residents and improving community resilience.

The Executive Member for Finance commented that not all Councils had adopted the same approach as Middlesbrough and that the proposed decision would also assist those in work but who just missed out on benefits.

The Mayor confirmed that applications to the Crisis Resilience Fund would be open at the end of June 2026. The Mayor also commented that the proposed decision was well thought out and introduced a golden thread for an extra level of care to residents. As such, residents would have more assurance the Council could support them in times of need.

Members commented that the Crisis Resilience Fund appeared to be one of the most comprehensive in the country.

Executive expressed its thanks to all officers involved in the creation of the Crisis Resilience Fund. 

OPTIONS

The Executive considered the option of not approving the delivery plan. This was not supported, as without an approved scheme the Council would be unable to utilise the allocated funding to support vulnerable residents and meet Government requirements.

The option of outsourcing delivery of the scheme was also considered but not recommended, as the Council was best placed to deliver the majority of the scheme due to its access to data, integration with existing support services and established relationships with residents and partners.

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     Approve the Crisis and Resilience Fund delivery plan for 2026/27.

2.     Approve delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance, to adjust funding allocations within the plan as required.

REASONS

The decisions were taken to enable the Council to access and distribute Government funding effectively, comply with national requirements, support vulnerable residents experiencing financial hardship, and promote long-term financial resilience within the community.