The report provides an update of the financial inclusion work carried out by the council during 2014/15. The Financial Inclusion Steering Group aims to help ensure that local people have knowledge of and access to appropriate financial services, allowing them to make more informed choices to achieve and maintain financial stability. 

The report includes information about specific activities and projects funded by the council as well as other wider work. It also contains details of the help provided to residents by the council’s York Financial Inclusion Scheme (YFAS) and provides information about the local Council Tax Support scheme.

The council provided funding of £300,000 over two years to eight specific projects ranging from targeted initiatives – such as the work of the Peasholme Charity working with vulnerable individuals to help them manage their finances – to those with wider impacts – such as the grant given to set up Advice York which broadened the range and quality of advice provided by agencies.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “The new administration will continue to support financial inclusion and to assist and advise vulnerable residents in York. This is reflected in our 12 point policy programme, our Emergency Budget and the draft Council Plan, currently out to citywide consultation until 26 August.

“To tackle these issues the council needs to continue to work closely with key city-wide partners. £100,000 has already been allocated for financial inclusion projects from 2015/16 and this will provide tangible results for residents.”

Significant assistance was given to residents through YFAS – awarding £303,000 to help 3,082 people in financial need during 2014/15. This helped with issues ranging from dealing with immediate crises to helping residents remain in or settle back into the community by purchasing essential household items like beds, cookers and fridges.

The report also makes reference to the review of council tax support schemes that Advice York carried out and sets out the council’s current position.

Executive will take place on Thursday 30 July at West Offices from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online from: www.york.gov.uk/webcasts

To find out more about the report, or to attend, visit: http://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=733&MId=8840