Agenda item

Executive Summary

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is committed to reducing inequality and supporting residents of North Norfolk to have access to Information, Advice & Advocacy (IAA) services that meet a range of generis and specialised needs.

There is an ongoing and increasing need for the provision of generic IAA and specialist debt services. This has been exacerbated as a result of Covid and the Cost of Living increases.

Norfolk Citizens Advice (Norfolk CA) have worked in partnership with NNDC for at least ten years providing a range of generic and specialist IAA services across North Norfolk. They are also a Government approved debt advisor organisation.

Awarding a grant of £66,323 to Norfolk CA will enable the continuation of established advice and information services in North Norfolk and the provision of a dedicated specialist debt advisor for direct referrals by NNDC for the period 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024.

Options considered

Not to provide funding towards IAA services. - Not recommended

There has been an increase in demand for a range of IAA services in North Norfolk particularly in relation to finance, benefit and debt. The impact of Covid and the continued Cost of Living increases and considered to be the main contributing factors.

The provision of accredited IAA services in a range of community locations across North Norfolk contributes towards the achievement of Quality of Life objective in the Corporate Plan.

Utilising the identified IAA budget to increase internal support for people requiring IAA services. – Not recommended

The focus of the People Services Directorate is to provide a range of services including IAA to residents particularly those who are vulnerable and experience hardship.

Whilst the majority of the People’s Services do provide an element of community provision mainly through visiting people in their own homes if necessary there is no consistent community presence. People are encouraged to utilise a range remote service provision to contact NNDC and a range of effective methods are available. However, for some people often those who are most vulnerable an in person appointment is more appropriate. NNDC currently does not have the capacity or resources to provide the range of IAA services needed in the community. This means that unless people are able to travel to NNDC offices in Cromer or Fakenham there are limited opportunities for them to receive face to face IAA services.

NNDC are not a Government Approved Debt Advisor and therefore are limited to the range of debt support they can offer.

Utilise the IAA budget to fund an external, debt accredited IAA provider. - Recommended

IAA services has been in North Norfolk provided by Citizens Advice for many years. Norfolk CA has been the main provider of IAA in North Norfolk for at least ten years.

Norfolk CA has a positive reputation and a visible presence in dedicated offices, community venues and more recently food banks.

Norfolk CA are the only provider offering face to face IAA services in North Norfolk who are also a Government approved debt advisor.

Offering the IAA grant to Norfolk CA would offer value for money as it would contribute to existing funding and provide a more comprehensive generic and specialised IAA service across North Norfolk.

Consultation(s)

Consultation with Portfolio Holder and Assistant Director for People’s Services.

Recommendations

It is considered that the proposed use of the grant to enhance and secure IAA services in North Norfolk offers better value than funding a stand alone or in house service.

Cabinet are asked to recommend that a grant of £66,323 is awarded to Norfolk CA towards for the provision of generic IAA services in North Norfolk and a Specialist Debt Relief Order Advisor to take direct referrals from NNDC and to be based at NNDC at least one day a week.

Reasons for recommendations

To recognise and respond to the ongoing and increasing demand for generic and specialist IAA services in North Norfolk.

Background papers

Wards affected

All Wards

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr. Wendy Fredericks

Contact Officer

Sonia Shuter, Early Help & Prevention Manager. sonia.shuter@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:

Corporate Plan:         

Quality of Life

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)                                

No

Council Policies & Strategies

None

Corporate Governance:

Is this a key decision 

No

Has the public interest test been applied

No

Details of any previous decision(s) on this matter