Anti poverty statement
Our ambition
To reduce the level of poverty in Eden and limit the impact of poverty when experienced. It is the aim that this will be achieved through effective partnership working and collaboration, to ensure we are able to provide excellent support, assistance and advice to those that need it.
Corporate priority
In April 2020, the Council adopted 'Poverty' as one of its Corporate Priorities; Poverty: We will work across the Council to ensure that all residents struggling due to financial inequalities have access to advice and assistance. Through this work the long term aim is to reduce levels of poverty across the district.
To help us achieve our ambition and corporate priority, Anti-Poverty Objectives and Actions have been adopted.
Anti-poverty objectives
- Helping People on low incomes to maximise their income and minimise their costs.
- Raising Skills, improving access to higher value employment opportunities for people on low incomes.
- Improving health outcomes for people on low incomes.
- Helping people with high housing costs, increasing the numbers of affordable homes and improving the condition of people’s homes.
- Supporting groups of people that are more likely to experience poverty
Anti-poverty actions
- Ensure there is an understanding of the levels of Poverty present across the District through the regular monitoring of Poverty Indicators for Eden.
- Support and promote existing schemes and initiatives.
- Partnership working with other key stakeholders and organisations (such as Eden Housing Association).
- Continue effective partnership working of Children’s Trust Locality Working Groups and The Life Opportunities Working Group.
- Creation of an Equality and Diversity Action Plan to improve the Council’s Equality and Diversity Practices.
Existing schemes/support facilitated by the council
Youth Employment Hub
The Eden Youth Hub supports Eden’s NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) 16-24 year olds to overcome barriers to employment.
Working in partnership with Inspira, Cumbria County Council and DWP, the service is delivered through a Youth Employment Worker (YEW). The YEW works across Eden providing an holistic employment support service; a ‘one stop shop’ where young people go to access a range of information, advice and guidance along with a breadth of learning, training, health improvement and apprenticeship opportunities.
Associated Poverty Objective: 2
Eden apprenticeship scheme
The Eden Apprenticeship Scheme is aimed at businesses in all sectors across the district. Eligible businesses are offered a grant of up to £2,000 towards wage costs for each new apprentice.
Read more about Eden Apprenticeship Scheme on the Invest in Eden website.
Associated Poverty Objective: 2
Green homes grant
Following successful bids to Central Government, Eden District Council received funding for Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme Funding.
Through the Green Homes Grant the energy efficiency installation of insulation and low carbon heat measures can be carried out in residential properties located within the district, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of dwellings and reduce the number of households experiencing fuel poverty.
Find out about green homes grant.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Warm homes Eden
Warm Homes Eden is a scheme designed to support residents with making their homes more energy efficient. The scheme aims to help Eden residents living in private housing who find it difficult to heat their home and maybe experiencing the following;
- People with a low income and are struggling to pay their bills
- People who may be face making a choice between heating their home or feeding their family
- People with a low income and a chronic health condition, affected by living in a cold home
People with energy inefficient homes.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Disabled facilities grant
Disabled people living in Eden who are in need of aids or alterations to their home may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant. This grant is also available for elderly persons who are struggling with mobility. The aim of this grant is to help maintain people’s independence in their own home for as long as possible.
Find out more about a disabled facilities grant.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 3, 4 and 5.
Council tax reduction and housing benefit
If a Household has a low income, is in receipt of benefits or have other people living with them, they can apply for a Council Tax Reduction. The amount Council Tax is reduced by is dependent on each applicant’s individual situation. If Council Tax Reduction is awarded the Council will reduce their Council Tax bill accordingly.
The Council has an online Council Tax reduction and Housing Benefit Calculator available on its website, so households are able to receive an instant online estimate. The online calculator is available here: Benefit Calculator. In addition to processing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction payments the Council’s Council Tax and Benefit Departments also have effective partner working with the CAB, Law Centre and the DWP.
Go to Council tax and housing benefit for more information.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 4 and 5.
Discounted sales scheme
The Council works with private developers to secure discounted sale properties on new housing developments. Discounted sale means that the properties are for sale to eligible households for a percentage of their open market value.
The scheme was first launched in 2010 (previously known as the Homeseekers’ Register) and seeks to ensure discounted sale properties remain within reach of households on local incomes. Unlike some other forms of affordable housing, such as shared ownership, with discounted sale properties the purchaser owns their home outright. This means no other party retains a share of the equity, but the initial price and each re-sale is subject to the same percentage discount.
Find out about the discounted sales scheme.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1 and 4.
Support offered in conjunction with Eden Housing Association
Eden deposit guarantee scheme
The Eden Deposit Guarantee Scheme provides a Private Landlord with a deposit (the value of one month’s rent) for them to place in a Government Deposit Scheme.
This Scheme is for those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, have a local connection to Eden, are on a low income or in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and for households/residents who are capable of managing a tenancy
Go to Eden deposit guarantee scheme to find out more.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 4 and 5.
Rough sleeper initiative
Eden District Council receives funding to employ 1x FTE Supported Letting Officer and 1x FTE Private Rented Accommodation Officer. Each Officer has a discretionary fund to provide essential items for individuals based on identified need.
Find out more about help for rough sleepers.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 3, 4and 5.
Homelessness prevention grant
The Homelessness Prevention Grant gives Local Authorities control and flexibility in managing homelessness pressures and supporting those who are at risk of homelessness.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Accommodation for ex-offenders
A financial incentive is available for Private Sector Landlords to secure accommodation for ex-offenders.
Associated Anti-Poverty Objective: 1,4 and 5.
Finding help and support
Go to cost of living support for more information on support that is available.