Crisis fund for those in need

By Emily Pearce

Monday, March 11, 2013

 

A NEW crisis fund to help people in extreme financial hardship may be established by the Isle of Wight Council.

The Local Assistance Scheme, if approved, would replace the current Social Fund scheme, which is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and due to be abolished on March 31.

Responsibility for administering crisis grants — used to help people in emergencies, provide help to those leaving care or prison, or pay for food, clothing, furniture and white goods — is set to be transferred to the council from April 1.

Some Social Fund elements, including winter fuel payments and maternity grants, will remain the responsibility of the DWP.

Providing it is approved, as recommended in a delegated decision report published today (Monday), the Local Assistance Scheme will run as a pilot project for two years, funded by the government to the tune of £344,000 a year to pay for the grants.

A more permanent system would follow.

Each application would be assessed on its merits however, the government has said the funding is for people in extreme hardship, after concerns were raised by charities that local authorities might divert funds away from those most in need of emergency support.

Grants would only be available to residents with an established link to the Island and no more than three grants can be given in a 12-month period. Applicants must also show all other avenues of support have been explored before their claim is considered.

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk

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Displaying the last 10 of 18 comments - Show All Comments

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by Gary O'Neill

12th March 2013, at 01:08:53

Mr Justice: I know you were having a dig. And thanks for your comment. I just find it incomprehensible that in day and age there are people so poor they have to resort to food banks. It beggars belief. Think I'll emigrate to Mumbai and be a cab driver... Their quality of life is just a shade below this poverty in this country. But they do have sun...

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by Chris Cross

11th March 2013, at 21:00:53

The great crisis loan that encourages you to lie . Rang up once when I lost my job asked for weeks rent 75 , food for two weeks 30 pounds and bus fare to look for new jobs 15 pound for week - they lent me 22 pounds.

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by Michael Henry

11th March 2013, at 19:27:39

We will still have food banks whoever runs the council come May. A lot of people seem to think the Dim Libs are going to make things rosy, not so, they will still be forced to make cuts because central goverment are handing out less money to councils. Who wants to pay more council tax, if you do then vote the Libs in and give them 6 months and they will be the same complaints from Islanders about the way things are run.

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by Mr Justice

11th March 2013, at 18:43:26

I was being ironical. I think it both shocking and depressing that we now have food banks under the Tories. I also think it terrible that crisis loans are being cut by the DWP, responsibility handed over to the council, who will have a fraction of the amount previously loaned out. All saves a fortune I'm sure but they are making the poorest far worse off and giving them a sense of hopelessness.

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by Gary O'Neill

11th March 2013, at 18:04:13

Shouldn't need food banks in this day and age. Mr Justice, you just highlighted one of the many reasons this govt doesn't work and needs to be gotten rid of.

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by Steve Williams

11th March 2013, at 17:54:41

Mr Justice, Food Banks are indeed one lasting legacy but I think all have a 3 maximum visits per year, so unfortunately the poor will still go hungry, that and other draconian measures brought in like the bedroom tax and being poor no longer exempts you from paying some council tax.

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by Mr Justice

11th March 2013, at 17:39:53

Don't forget since this Tory council took charge, we now have a thriving FOOD BANK. It's one achievement I suppose. The Island's poor no longer go hungry, thanks to food parcels from a charity.

I wonder if during the local elections we will see pictures of smiling Tory councillor's handing out food, like they handed over the keys to Shanklin theatre?

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by Gary O'Neill

11th March 2013, at 17:01:57

Extreme financial hardship? In England? In the 21st century? How can this possibly be true? Oh wait, it's a tory government and local authority - that'd do it.

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by GLEN MANEY

11th March 2013, at 17:00:01

The Island does indeed have a similar child poverty percentage to that of Hackney too.I suppose the difference is that in inner London there is a little bit more scope for employment for people than there is on the Island.
The Island needs some 'proper' investment and not just a re-allocation of funds for PR purposes like this appears to be upon a little further research.

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by Mark Hitchman

11th March 2013, at 16:59:27

Sorry, I'll try and think of a different inner city example that fits for you later

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.