The ‘homes needs’ element of the Citizens Support Scheme supports residents who can’t afford to buy essential goods including a fridge, oven, sofa or bed.

Last year the £1.4 million scheme, which is delivered by Liverpool-based community interest company The Furniture Resource Centre, made 12,000 awards.A report to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 25 March is recommending the ‘home needs’ element of the contract is extended for a further 12 months. A fresh procurement process to award a new long-term contract will take place later in the year.

Separately, the Citizens Support Scheme also helps people with ‘urgent needs’ including food and fuel costs.

Examples of other support provided by the Council to low-income households include:

•  The Council Tax Support Scheme – which is one of the most generous among big ‘core’ cities and in the Liverpool City Region. It has recently been changed to give eligible households a 12 month award to provide certainty and help them budget.