Decision details

Funding of Legal and Advice Services

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Building a Better Oldham

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to award grant funding from the Council’s Priority Programme Fund to Citizens Advice Oldham for the period 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 for the delivery of legal and advice services.

Decision:

RESOLVED - That:
The funding be awarded.

Reasons for the decision:

Option 1: To provide grant funding to CAO.
Option 2: If the Council chose not to enter into an agreement with Citizens Advice Oldham, residents would have no access to free legal and advice in the Borough, other than that provided by the Council’s Welfare Rights service and lower level help provided by organisations (e.g. help with completing forms).
There would be a further impact on the number of individuals at risk of homelessness and those with severe debt issues.

Alternative options considered:

Option 2

Other reasons / organisations consulted

N/A

Contact: Natalie Downs, Stronger Communities Team Manager Email: natalie.downs@oldham.gov.uk Email: natalie.downs@oldham.gov.uk.

Publication date: 07/09/2020

Date of decision: 07/09/2020

Effective from: 15/09/2020

Accompanying Documents: