Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report seeking approval for a Match Funding Grant award over the standard maximum allocation. It was explained that, as part of the Council’s Community Grants Programme, the Match Funding Grant was the medium sized grant scheme supporting a wide range of projects. Applications were reviewed by the Community Grants Panel in line with the funding criteria, which had a published maximum grant award of £8,000 to a single project. Members heard that, in certain circumstances, the Community Grants Panel would accept an application requesting more than that amount where the strategic importance of the project could be demonstrated. For applications requesting more than £8,000, the Community Grants Panel would review and approve the application as normal but would then recommend to the Prosperous Communities Committee for approval to make the award, as was the case with the application before Committee, to support the resurfacing of the multi-sport 3G pitch in Caistor.

It was stated that the application for this project was submitted by Caistor Grammar School, had gone through the standard scoring process and was presented to a Community Grants Panel where it was approved. It was also noted that all grant awards made by the Council were issued with a grant funding agreement that included conditions specific to each project. For this project, the grant funding agreement would include conditions around a community pricing structure and guaranteed community access. It was highlighted to Members that the Community Grants Panel had recommended the approval of the £15,000 grant award.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for a clear and concise report and invited questions from the Committee.

There was widespread support from Members, with the benefits of such sites being extolled for people from all walks of life, ages and fitness levels. Members were keen to know that amateur sports clubs would not be faced with price increases in order to cover the cost of the such a proposal. It was confirmed that the funding would enable the site to continue to offer preferential rates, with investment also gained from other avenues.

With further discussion regarding the success of the site, the use for all those in the area and beyond, as well as recognising the opportunities to expand use through social media promotion and wider advertising, the recommendation contained within the report was moved and subsequently seconded. On taking the vote, it was unanimously,

RESOLVED a Match Funding Grant award of £15,000 to Caistor Grammar School, as recommended by the Community Grants Panel, be approved.