Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Resources and Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which presented the revised Poverty Strategy and Action Plan for approval following a consultation exercise undertaken April to August 2022. The report also presented to Cabinet the updated Child Poverty Action Plan as a separate document that focussed on addressing child poverty and was aligned with the wider Poverty Strategy and Action Plan (for copy of report see file of minutes).

In moving the report, Councillor Alan Shield, Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion thanked the Corporate Director of Resources and his team for their dedication and hard work on this extensive consultation and engagement programme working with all partners and stakeholders. Poverty was a complex issue, its impact devastating. The causes were complex and tackling such a complex problem required a multifaceted approach. Councillor Shield highlighted that the response was comprehensive and a strong safety net was in place to capture those who are were most disadvantaged and vulnerable in society. The Council needed to ensure that people in crisis were provided with advice, guidance and financial assistance to provide a sustained route out of poverty.

Councillor S McDonnell, Portfolio Holder for Digital, Customer Services and Procurement also paid tribute to the Corporate Director of Resources and his team, particularly the Head of Transactional and Customer Services in helping to shape and deliver on the actions contained in the action plans. Whilst the scale of challenge was significant, it was important to highlight that the scale of the response had also been significant and was the envy of many other areas. The County Council could be proud of the scheme, support and initiatives that were in place across the County which would help and continue to help thousands of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the County. Councillor S McDonnell seconded the recommendation.

Resolved:

That the recommendation in the report be approved.