Decision details

Government have recently provided updated guidance for those that are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) in light of the national lockdown and have requested that Local Authorities implement the previously issued framework to support those that are CEV.
This framework places a responsibility on the Local Authority to assess food and basic support needs of those that are CEV and to put in place the necessary arrangements to meet those needs.
The Government have recognised that providing this support puts additional financial pressure and burdens on the Council and have announced financial assistance to help meet these costs.
For Doncaster this financial support is £228,000 which is based on a CEV population of 15,565 @ £14.60 per CEV. The funding is un-ringfenced section 31 grant.
Whilst we are utilising existing resources and support where it exists, this does put additional pressures on services and capacity is stretched. This is exacerbated at this time as it is difficult to estimate the likely demand for support and for how long this will be required. Albeit we are only technically in a 4 week national lockdown, support for the CEV is likely to be needed beyond this period.
Given this uncertainty, an indicative proposal of how the additional resources outlined above is attached. This has been signed off by Directors on 16th November 2020. In summary, this will be used as a priority to fund:-
- 2fte additional Customer Service Advisors – additional capacity to manage additional incoming calls, email requests for support and proactive calls to those who have registered nationally and asked for local support.
- 1 additional Apprentice post in PIC to manage the data and reporting
Ring fence funding for additional support for locality inbox, triage and local solutions groups for CEV (adults and children) if needed.
- Additional funding for emergency food for CEV
- Top up fund for voluntary, community and faith sector for local response offer if needed
- Comms and marketing materials such as Winter booklet for CEV, postage costs etc.

To use the funding allocated to support those that are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable as outlined in the report. This will allow immediate contact with those at high risk, enable us to manage the data and reporting requirements and also be flexible to meet future needs as this emerges.

Do nothing – this is not a viable option as there is a requirement for the Local Authority to assess and meet the needs of those identified as CEV.
Use existing resources – services are already stretched and despite national lockdown we are maintaining most mainstream work. Where possible, existing resources are being used but additional capacity is needed.
Use money in a different way – it is felt that the proposed use of this funding meets national expectations, provides the necessary immediate resources to manage the step up of support and also gives enough flexibility to respond to needs as they emerge. This will be reviewed on a regular basis and funding targeted at those areas of highest demand