Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from the Public Health and Professional Services Manager on the Wessex Scheme.

The Public Health and Professional Services Manager provided the Group with a verbal update in relation to the Wessex scheme, this included the following:

·         The recent pilot had been very successful with a large increase in the uptake of loans.

·         Approval time had been reduced to 8 weeks on average. This had been a significant factor in the increased take up of loans since previously some people had dropped out of the system because it had taken too long.

·         An approach had been made to Devon County Council for some funding under the Home Assistance Scheme and the Council had been successful in receiving £100k to put into the Wessex Scheme.

·         Increased advertising and drop in sessions, as well as working with partner agencies such as Age UK, had also helped to promote the scheme.

·         A new contract would be drawn up between the Council and Wessex once negotiations regarding the terms had been completed.

A further update would be brought to the next meeting.