NEARLY 700 vulnerable households were helped through the Cheshire East Council Emergency Relief Program as they struggled to support their families and have a roof over their heads.
The figures published by the Council show that 1,284 applications for aid were made under the system in the 2020/21 financial year.
686 of them were successful.
The program was launched by Cheshire East in April 2013 after the Discretionary Social Fund crisis loans and community care grants managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were abolished and funds were transferred to councils to provide local support.
The Cheshire East program was set up to help vulnerable people in immediate need following a crisis or disaster, to prevent homelessness, keep families together, and protect vulnerable people.
A report to be presented ahead of the Enterprise Policy Committee meeting next Tuesday (September 7th) said: “The program is putting rental deposits, furniture and appliances – recycled where possible – and emergency food, if possible, on local boards to disposal.
“Unlike the earlier crisis loans and community maintenance grants administered by DWP, it does not provide cash.”
Last year £ 173,722 was spent through the Emergency Relief Program to help those most in need.
Of that £ 137,642, furniture and white goods accounted for; £ 5,855 was spent on emergency food; £ 27,105 for rental deposits and £ 3,120 for other expenses including removals.
Currently, applicants must reside in or relocate to Cheshire East as they have a connection to the area. they must be deemed to be in need of protection and receive or be eligible for state benefits; or at a low wage and unable to get help from family and friends.
Cheshire East is now considering launching a public consultation to seek views on the effectiveness of the system, which was last reviewed four years ago.
The report states: “In response to the Covid pandemic, the council has expanded support for people in emergency situations.
“The emergency assistance program needs to be reviewed in the light of this support package to ensure that the advice provides a cohesive and consistent client journey for those in need.”
The city councils should decide at the meeting next week whether the program should go to public consultation.
The meeting of the Corporate Policy Committee will take place on Tuesday, September 7th, at 10.30 a.m. in Sandbach Town Hall.
