Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
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
Reason Key: Significant Expenditure or Savings and effect on communities in two or more wards;
Reason No Public Access: Yes - By virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Contact: Nicola Riley, Assistant Director Wellbeing & Housing Email: nicola.riley@cherwell-dc.gov.uk Tel: 01295 221724.
Report author: Nicola Riley
Publication date: 04/04/2018
Date of decision: 03/04/2018
Decided at meeting: 03/04/2018 - Executive
Effective from: 10/04/2018