Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to proceed with the implementation of a Crisis and Resilience Fund in Teignbridge. This replaces the existing schemes for Discretionary Housing Payments and the Household Support Fund as of 1 April 2026.

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

1.   Implement the Teignbridge Crisis and Resilience Fund as soon as it is reasonably practicable to do so.

2.   Approve the implementation approach set out in Appendix 1

3.   Delegate authority to the Head of Housing and the Housing Needs Lead, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness, to create and develop the required crisis and resilience fund arrangements in accordance with the Government’s guidance and to implement the scheme; and to prepare a CaRF Delivery Plan for submission to government as required in July 2026.

4.   That a report on the initial period of implementation of the scheme is provided to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee within six months.

The Executive considered the report outlining the approach that the Council was seeking to take to implement the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF). The report included an appendix setting out the Council’s approach and an Equality Impact Assessment. Councillor Palethorpe introduced the item, outlined the purpose of the report and fund and conveyed his thanks to the Officers who had worked on the report.

Councillor Sanders spoke to this item regarding the current pressures on heating oil and fuel, and Councillor Palethorpe confirmed that the Council had received separate funding for residents in hardship to apply for as part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Councillor Hook spoke to this item regarding food vouchers that were available under the previous schemes. Councillor Palethorpe stated that Officers are working with Devon County Council to ensure vouchers were available for the Easter School Holidays and these would continue in the new fund.

Councillor Keeling spoke in support of the item and thanked those who had been involved in the scheme.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Palethorpe and SECONDED by Councillor Keeling and

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

1.   Implement the Teignbridge Crisis and Resilience Fund as soon as it is reasonably practicable to do so.

2.   Approve the implementation approach set out in Appendix 1.

3.   Delegate authority to the Head of Housing and the Housing Needs Lead, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness, to create and develop the required crisis and resilience fund arrangements in accordance with the Government’s guidance and to implement the scheme; and to prepare a CaRF Delivery Plan for submission to government as required in July 2026.

4.   That a report on the initial period of implementation of the scheme is provided to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee within six months.