Decision details

To note the progress in delivering actions to reduce poverty in Cambridge during 2018/19.

Matter for Decision

The Council produced a revised and updated Anti-Poverty Strategy for the period from April 2017 to March 2020. The Council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy aims to: improve the standard of living and daily lives of those residents in Cambridge who are currently experiencing poverty; and to help alleviate issues that can lead households on low incomes to experience financial pressures.

The revised Anti-Poverty Strategy sets out 5 key objectives and 57 associated actions to reduce poverty in Cambridge over the next three years. This report provides an update on progress in delivering key actions identified for 2018/19, with a particular focus on new areas of activity introduced in the strategy.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

Noted the progress in delivering actions to reduce poverty in Cambridge during 2018/19.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Strategy and Partnerships Manager.

The Strategy and Partnerships Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          The City Council adopted a Living Wage policy in respect of contractors. There have been no issues as procurement guidance details were clear.

     ii.          Schools were the responsibility of the County Council. The City Council had undertaken some project work to help children with financial literacy.

   iii.          A number of measures helped to increase the number of concession memberships for people using sports and swimming facilities.

The Strategic Director said a new community centre would replace Buchan Street Community Centre and The Meadows when those sites were used for affordable housing. Appropriate facilities would be provided between the City Council and private developers.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.