Decision details


Appointing a Director, from Cherwell District Council (CDC) to the new Bicester Vision Community Interest Company (CIC) and providing grant funding to the CIC

Decision Maker: .Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Policy and Strategy

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To confirm the decision made by the Leader of the Council to appoint the Lead Member for Economy Regeneration and Property to serve as a Director representing Cherwell District Council (CDC) on the board of the newly incorporated Community Interest Company (CIC) Bicester Vision.  In addition, the report also determines the ongoing arrangements concerning the provision of grant funding to the Bicester Vision.

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)            That the Lead Member for Economy Regeneration and Property as a director to the newly established CIC, Bicester Vision, representing the interests of Cherwell District Council (CDC).

 

(2)            That it be noted that a senior officer (Assistant Director – Growth and Economy or equivalent or superior) will attend the Bicester Vision board meetings as an observer, and to provide support to the designated CDC board representative.

 

(3)            That it be agreed to formalise the ongoing arrangements for the provision of grant funding to Bicester Vision of £15,000.00 (fifteen thousand pounds) per annum over the next 3 years, the first payment to be made on [DATE] for the period [DATE] to [DATE].

 

(4)            That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Growth and Economy to negotiate and complete a grant agreement to govern the provision of such grant funding, in the form, or substantially the form, attached at Appendix A to this report, with Bicester Vision and to agree any minor variations to the terms of such grant agreement from time to time.

 

Reasons for the decision:

Bicester Vision should be supported in its ambition of becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) with the Lead Member for Economy Regeneration and Property as a director to represent the interests of CDC. The incorporation of the CIC provides an opportune moment to formalise the funding regime based upon the terms of a grant agreement as there is now a legal body with which CDC can contract for the first time in Bicester Vision’s existence.

Alternative options considered:

Option 1: Withdraw support for Bicester Vision – this option was rejected because CDC wishes to continue supporting Bicester Vision.

 

Option 2: Explore other options for incorporation – Bicester Vision explored various options and vehicles and it was felt that a CIC would be the best fit with their objectives.

 

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Reason No Public Access: No

Declarations: None

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No

Contact: Robert Jolley, Assistant Director Growth & Economy Email: robert.jolley@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 221688.

Publication date: 26/11/2019

Date of decision: 26/11/2019

Effective from: 30/11/2019

Accompanying Documents: