Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to the final report of the evening, again presented by the Communities Manager, regarding the Community Grants Programme and seeking approval for the continuation of a Community Grants Programme from 2023/24 to 2026/27, linked to the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Members enquired as to the governance of the scheme, seeking assurance that the money distributed through such schemes was spent according to the requirements, it was also suggested that Council branding on projects funded by the schemes could be more prominent in order to emphasise the funding origin. It was confirmed that the governance processes in place sought to protect the investments made through the grant funding schemes. A Member of the Committee suggested that the governance could be included in the Monitoring Officer’s review of the internal audit plan for the upcoming year and it was agreed that this suggestion be put forward.

Members heard that, alongside the UK Shared Prosperity Fund work, there would be increased branding and promotion of the projects supported through the scheme.

There was discussion regarding the use of the funds, and enquiries as to whether the money could be spent in other ways to benefit the district. It was explained that smaller amounts being granted to local communities achieved the most meaningful outcomes for those recipients, in a way that larger sums of money on one off spends could not always achieve. It was highlighted that without such funding, many community projects and organisations would cease to exist.

In response to concerns raised that there was unbalanced awareness of the funds, with some groups perhaps deserving and in need of financial support but unaware of how to access that, Members were assured that the Induction for all Councillors following the all-out elections in May 2023 would cover those aspects.

Members of the Committee were, on the whole, supportive of the schemes, albeit recognising that further work could be undertaken ensuring the wider awareness and accessibility of such funding. 

Having been moved and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was

RESOLVED that:

a)    the delivery of the Councillor Initiative Fund be continued from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027; and

b)    the delivery of the Flagship Community Grants Programme (previously agreed) be continued from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027; and

c)    the continuation of the Councillor Initiative Fund from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027, and the Flagship Community Grants Programme from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, be recommended to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee for financial approval.