I would like to know the following about the Household Support Fund:

1. The number of applications to the Household Support Fund during the 12 months to 31st December 2022.
The Council does not hold all of this information. The application process is carried out by the Hardship Alliance, which includes Wokingham Citizens Advice; Age UK Berkshire; First Days (Wokingham); and Wokingham United Charities. They provide details to the Council of eligible and approved applications only.

However, we can confirm that:
• Wokingham Citizens Advice had received 2,151 applications between 1st April and 31st December 2022.
• Age UK Berkshire had received 204 applications between 8th March and 31st October 2022.

2. The monetary amount of support provided to applicants to the Household Support Fund during the 12 months to 31st December 2022.
Under the Household Support Fund, £697,204 in monetary support was provided to applicants in the 12 months to 31st December 2022. The Council also spent £284,370 on additional Free School Meal vouchers.

3. The number of successful applicants to the Household Support Fund during the 12 months to 31st December 2022.
Under the Household Support Fund, 4,907 household applications were successful during the 12 months to 31st December 2022. The Council also provided 16,956 additional Free School Meal vouchers. The main reasons for applications not being successful are applying more than once and not being able to confirm eligibility.

4. If possible, I would also like to know the outstanding monetary amount from the Household Support Fund that is available before the scheme ends on 31st March 2023.
As of 27th January and taking into account committed spending on Free School Meals during the school holidays, there is £115,334 available before the scheme ends on 31st March 2023.