Agenda item

To provide an overview of Voluntary and Community Sector work/activity that is being supported and further developed by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and to seek approval to deliver more sustainable and enhanced local services through the Voluntary and Community Sector that are operating within South and East Lincolnshire (report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Communities enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Communities which provided an overview of Voluntary and Community Sector work/activity that was being supported and further developed by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and which sought approval to deliver more sustainable and enhanced local services through the Voluntary and Community Sector that were operating within South and East Lincolnshire.

The Portfolio Holder – Community Development presented the report.

South Holland District Council  and the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership recognised the important work of the Voluntary and Community Sector within the area. This included supporting the communities in South and East Lincolnshire to lead longer, safer and healthier lives.   The communities themselves also had a lot to offer in respect to playing an active volunteering role in the locality, with volunteering showing positive physical and mental health benefits to individuals.

First and foremost, the report provided an overview of activity over the past year that had been supported and further developed by the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

The following issues were raised:

·       Concern was raised around the potential additional workload that may arise for certain VCS groups such as the Citizens Advice Bureau in relation to the Government’s recent announcement to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance to many pensioners.

o   The Portfolio Holder responded that there could be an impact on the CAB’s workload, along with other voluntary organisations.  Councillors could also support and signpost any help that may be available.

o   Officers responded that eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance would be means tested (individuals in receipt of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Related Job Seekers Allowance, and Income Support).  The caseload of Pension Credit for SHDC at February 2024 was 2,116 and people were being encouraged to apply if they were eligible for any of these benefits. In addition a series of Communications messages would be undertaken to spread the message, and signposting to advise of other support available would be undertaken over the next few months.

·       Volunteers were essential to the local community.  It was important that this report was coming forward to ensure improved management and support of volunteers, to ensure their efforts were put to best use. 

DECISIONS:

1)    That the important role that the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) plays in supporting local communities/residents in enjoying healthy fulfilling lives within South and East Lincolnshire be noted;

2)    That current progress made between the SELCP and VCS be noted.  This included the SELCP Trusted Volunteers Scheme;

3)    That the proposed South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership ‘Volunteer Charter’ be agreed;

4)    That a transition from grant giving to VCS organisations, and a move to a commissioned services model (where appropriate) that met the aims and objectives of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership be approved.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing – this option would not support additional benefits that working with the VCS provided;

Reasons for decision:

·       VCS organisations offered huge amounts to local areas, through the services they provided, the wealth they generated, and the people they connected, engaged and empowered.  At a time of rising pressures on services and tough financial constraints, it was more important than ever the councils could harness their local strengths and build successful partnerships with their local VCS).