Decision details

To consider the award of grants, subject to budget approval

Reason for Urgency: The item was included on the work programme but as a public report. In drafting the report it is officers' view that due to the report containing information relating to the financial affairs of the council, it should be restricted. Having regard to the financial sensitivity of the matter, the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed that the report can be considered in private.

The Assistant Director: Communities submitted an exempt report which sought approval of the grant process and criteria for the newly established Community Infrastructure grants pot.

Resolved

(1)          That the grant information pack, associated application form and the criteria for the approval be agreed.

(2)          That the approach of delegating future grant funding decisions above £20,000 to the Lead Member with responsibility for Communities subject to funds being available and subject to the same terms and conditions as will be applied (as amended from time to time) to the proposed grant scheme be endorsed.

Reasons

The grant scheme was established through the last budget setting process with the intention of having a small scale of capital funding available to properly constituted, not-for-profit organisations, who need to secure some investment in property or equipment in order to sustain their community activity and involvement.

This grant programme sits alongside money for community development and infrastructure delivered through various S106 agreements. Usually the grants will be for infrasatrucutre outside the areas of growth and as such are complementary.

Alternative options

Option 1: To determine additional or different grant criteria. This option was not pursued as the criteria are generally in line with other grant schemes managed by officers and provide for a broad and balanced application of funding