Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Communities Manager, with a report seeking approval for the Core Voluntary and Community Sector Grants for 2023/24. It was explained that the Council provided a range of core Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grants to support the delivery of projects and services for the benefit of local communities and residents. The delivery of these services contributed towards the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities. Members were advised that the current Core VCS grant agreements would end on 31 March 2023, having been approved by the Prosperous Communities Committee on 7 December 2021 for a 1-year period beginning 1 April 2022. An additional recommendation from that meeting had been to undertake a review of VCS Grants, which had now completed.

Chairman and Members of the Committee thanked the Officer for the detailed report. A discrepancy was noted within the Officer recommendation, that being that the amount for Citizens Advice (Lindsey and Lincoln) should read £60,200, as was detailed within the body of the report, not the published £60,000. This was confirmed to have been a typographical error, with the correct amount being £60,200.

It was also noted how much the churches festival helped not only the local economy but had also expanded into the wider area, and should be supported for the significant impact it had on the visitor economy. Members highlighted that volunteers played a vital role in many projects across the district and were priceless for the support they offered. Members also wished to extend their thanks to the Officers and teams working with the volunteer groups.

Note:              Councillor O. Bierley declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was involved with voluntary organisations.

A Member of the Committee expressed hesitancy in allocating such funding at a time when there was such financial uncertainty, however it was explained that the commitment to the funds had been made and was according to existing budget setting, and that should the funding cease, some organisations would cease immediately. Members did recognise the current financial landscape, however, expressed robust support for the continuation of funding as agreed.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote, confirming that the Committee was to vote on the recommendation within the Officer’s report, with the amendment of the typographical error. It was therefore

RESOLVED that the Core Voluntary and Community Sector Grants for 2023/24 be approved as follows:  

·         Citizens Advice (Lindsey & Lincoln) - £60,200

·         Gainsborough Adventure Playground Association 

·         £15,000

·         Lincoln Area Dial-a-Ride - £13,000

·         The Conservation Volunteers - £30,000

·         Voluntary Centre Services - £25,000

·         West Lindsey Churches Festival - £8,000