1. That the proposed amendment to the Trafford Assist (TA) Policy to a Cash-First scheme, to be implemented by no later than 31 May 2021 be approved.

2. That the proposal to review the impact of the scheme changes on poverty levels in Trafford during the 12 months following implementation of the cash-first scheme be noted.

3. That the urgency provisions in respect of this decision as detailed in the report be approved.

4. That, for the reasons set out in the report, this decision be deemed urgent and not be subject to the call in process.

Residents entitled to support are currently experiencing significant hardship due to circumstances brought about by the pandemic. There is an urgency to ensure that funding support can be delivered to those residents which need it, in a way that is most supportive to that resident. Based on the general support for a cash first option,  an amendment to the  Council’s TA scheme to a ‘cash-first’ scheme (excluding furniture) to be implemented as soon as is operationally practicable is proposed. The proposals detailed in this report are required to enable an amendment to the Council’s current TA scheme.

To continue with the ‘no cash’ policy, but this would go against the general support for the principle of moving to a cash first option.