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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Nottingham City Council adds £203,000 boost to financial support for eligible residents

Nottingham City Council has published an extension of its financial support for residents facing financial difficulties.

The council will provide an additional £203,000 in grant funding to extend current support services until 30th September 2025, with a focus on assisting those most vulnerable.

This funding is an extension of an existing £406,000 grant previously awarded to the Nottingham & District Citizens Advice Bureau (NDCAB) to offer financial advice and support services.

The extended funding, ring-fenced from the public health grant, aims to further the objectives outlined in the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2025, which highlights promoting financial wellbeing as a key priority. The extended grant, beginning in April 2025, ensures continuity in delivering essential financial support services for an additional six months. This is seen as a crucial interim measure before a full review and procurement of a new service model can be completed.

 

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Nottingham is facing a significant challenge in supporting its residents through increasing financial stress. Data from the council paints a concerning picture: 5.7% of people in Nottingham claim out-of-work benefits, in contrast to the national average of 3.7%. The city is also faced with high rates of unemployment and benefit dependency, with an increasing number of households, many previously untouched by the benefits system, now seeking assistance due to rising costs of living, especially energy and food.

The extension of the grant will allow the NDCAB—a key component of the Advice Nottingham consortium—to continue providing a range of critical services including signposting, advice, and direct support through casework. The goal is to not only alleviate immediate financial pressures but also to improve long-term financial security, reduce the risk of future crises, and positively impact health and wellbeing outcomes. Research has shown that financial stress has significant effects on physical and mental health, with half of adults experiencing problem debt also suffering from mental health issues, while 30% of those in persistent poverty are in poor health.

The decision to extend funding aligns with the council’s broader strategy to link financial stability with health outcomes. The NDCAB services, funded through the public health grant, aim to reduce the detrimental impacts of financial hardship by improving citizens’ access to advice, reducing financial crises, and promoting better management of financial resources.

In an effort to ensure the extended funding is compliant with regulations and effective in meeting public needs, the council will conduct a thorough commissioning review. This six-month extension will allow the council to complete a robust review process, ensuring that the future procurement of services meets the required needs and represents best value for public funds.

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