Agenda item

The Cabinet considered the report of the Corporate Director of Resources that provided an update on the work to ensure there was a coherent and co-ordinated strategic approach, both within the council and across the Council’s partners to address poverty across County Durham.

The report sought approval to consult on a revised County Durham Poverty Action Plan which sets out a comprehensive response to the impacts of the wide-ranging poverty issues within the county (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Leader advised that Councillor Surtees had submitted questions on this item however as she had not been present to ask her questions in person a written response would be made after the meeting.

Councillors Shield thanked the Corporate Director and his team, and the work of the poverty action steering group in bringing this report to Cabinet. He advised that poverty was a complex issue which manifests itself in many ways, its causes and impacts are multifaceted, and holds back many communities across the county. He explained the council’s response to tacking this which included having a strong economic strategy, raising aspirations, providing opportunities for all, and by doing this by working in partnership. He emphasised that alongside this was the provision of a strong safety net in place to support those vulnerable households and those in crisis. He advised of the current support in place, and the additional funding support that had been made available and how it would be distributed.

Councillor Shuttleworth in seconding the report advised of his support for the strategy and action plan which was particularly important at the current time. It provided the right balance with the current measures in place and moving forward in tacking poverty. He welcomed the consultation process to take place.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.