• Interagency Group
• Sandwell Agencies
• Working together to Tackle Debt in Sandwell
• Guidance for people commissioning welfare benefits and debt advice
• Want to find out more about the group?

Purpose of the Task Group

To lead, on behalf of Sandwell Partnership, on a strategic approach to the way that debt is tackled in Sandwell. The Task Group will:

• co-ordinate a joined up approach across all partner agencies (statutory, voluntary and private sectors) to tackling debt in Sandwell.
• add value by enabling effective collaboration between partners.
• oversee the delivery and performance management of the tackling debt action plan.
• maximise resources and opportunities available to tackle debt.
• improve communication and information on all matters relating to debt and financial literacy, including the prevention of debt and the role of creditors.
• challenge and support partners to achieve improvements on how debt is tackled.
• promote and share good practice.
• improve financial literacy across Sandwell
• influence national policy based upon the Sandwell experience
• work to achieve the Sandwell Plan and help to meet the priority outcomes of the LAA as set out in the attached Appendix 1
• contribute to Sandwell’s anti poverty strategy

Outcomes and outputs

Within its first year the Task Group will:

• Produce a 3 year action plan
• Confirm that the debt conference pledges have been carried out
• Report back to all debt conference attendees

Reporting arrangements

Tackling Debt in Sandwell Task Group will report on an annual basis to Sandwell Partnership LPSB.

Duration of the Task Group

3 years with an annual review

Frequency of Meetings

6 times per year in the 1st year, moving to quarterly meetings in years 2 and 3.

June 2008

Appendix 1 LAA Targets

The Tackling Debt in Sandwell Task group will actively contribute to the following targets: