Decision details

This report seeks delegated officer approval to award funding from the Household Support Fund (HSF) to Early Break, an established partner organisation currently engaged in homelessness prevention work in Oldham. The Cabinet Member report of 7th of April 2025 made provision for £450,000 to be allocated towards meeting housing costs, supporting the sustainability of tenancies, and assisting families living in temporary accommodation. As the HSF allocation must be fully utilised by 31st of March 2026, working in partnership with an experienced organisation such as Early Break will enable the effective distribution of funds to residents in need and ensure that resources are targeted and maximised.

RESOLVED - That:It is recommended that a grant of £56,000 from the Household Support Fund (HSF) be awarded to the Early Breaks Pathfinder service, with all funds to be spent by 31st of March 2026.This allocation will ensure that HSF resources:

? Reach the widest possible range of residents,
? Contribute directly to homelessness prevention and relief,
? Are utilised fully and within the specified timeframe.

Options/Alternatives considered
1. Continue to deliver the HSF housing costs funding in-house (not recommended): given the slow pace of delivery so far this risks the remaining funding not being spent and potential for support not being maximised. This option is therefore not recommended.

2. Do nothing (not recommended): this would not deliver outcomes for the residents of Oldham and mean either redistributing funding or returning unspent funds to the DWP. This option is therefore not recommended.
3. (recommended)
It is recommended that a grant of £56,000 from the Household Support Fund (HSF) be awarded to the Early Breaks Pathfinder service, with all funds to be spent by 31st of March 2026.This allocation will ensure that HSF resources:

1) Reach the widest possible range of residents,
2) Contribute directly to homelessness prevention and relief,
3) Are utilised fully and within the specified timeframe.

1. Continue to deliver the HSF housing costs funding in-house (not recommended): given the slow pace of delivery so far this risks the remaining funding not being spent and potential for support not being maximised. This option is therefore not recommended.

2. Do nothing (not recommended): this would not deliver outcomes for the residents of Oldham and mean either redistributing funding or returning unspent funds to the DWP. This option is therefore not recommended.

No Conflict of interest declared