Decision details

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the acceptance of the grant award of £909,278 for the delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) 2026/27.

2.    Approve the Council’s proposed delivery approach for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for 2026/27 as set out in this report.

3.    Approve the proposed eligibility criteria and operating principles for crisis payments.

4.    Approve the delegation to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing of any operational decisions and associated expenditure required to deliver the CRF scheme in accordance with the approved scheme framework, government guidance and allocated budget (as detailed in paragraph 2.17 of the report)

Reasons for the decision

The DWP expected authorities to commence delivery of the scheme from 1 April 2026 and submit a delivery plan by 1 July 2026. Joint working had been in place between Lincolnshire County Council, District Councils and support organisations during all stages of the Household Support Fund. It was recognised that a joint approach to this level of support would achieve the desired outcomes as set out in the framework and guidance.

Other options considered

The ‘do nothing’ option was discounted as the funding had been provided, and the requirement of the funding was to provide residents with support during times of crisis.