Agenda item

(a)  That the actions taken so far and proposed next steps listed in sections 5.2 and 5.3 of the report be noted in relation the recommendations of the Food Poverty Task & Finish Group.

(b)  That Lead Members & Directors give further consideration to the implementation of the recommendations at a meeting in the summer of 2021 with a further update to be presented to the Cabinet in within six months.

The Policy Insight Manager introduced a follow up report on the actions taken so far, and the planned next steps, to implement the recommendations of the Food Poverty Task & Finish Group.

It was noted that good progress had already been made on a number of the twelve recommendations from the Task & Finish Group.  The Local Welfare Provision team had increased capacity following the Phase 2 restructure as part of Our Futures; a directory of financial support was being worked on; and new data insight tools had been introduced which would inform the relevant Council strategies and policies to address food poverty.  It was also noted that considerable support had been provided during the pandemic both in terms of providing food vouchers during school holidays and thousands of hot meals through the OneSlough approach.  The next steps included incorporating the recommendations into the new strategic framework for the Council which would drive forward service planning in the future.

The Cabinet welcomed the progress that had been made on some of the short term, low cost recommendations and reiterated its commitment to follow up on the medium to long term actions later in the year.  Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Hulme commented on the need to increase the employment opportunities for residents and ensure that Council contracts delivered strong social returns on investment.  It was agreed that Lead Members & Directors would review progress in the summer with a further report to scrutiny and Cabinet in the Autumn of 2021.

Resolved –

(a)  That the actions taken so far and proposed next steps listed in sections 5.2 and 5.3 of the report be noted in relation the recommendations of the Food Poverty Task & Finish Group.

(b)  That Lead Members & Directors give further consideration to the implementation of the recommendations at a meeting in the summer of 2021 with a further update to be presented to the Cabinet in within six months.

(Councillor Akram joined the meeting)