Decision details

Allocation of funding to voluntary and community organisations for projects in 2014-15 in accordance with agreed policy priorities.

Matter for Decision

The Officer’s report made recommendations for 2014-15 Sustainable City grant funding to voluntary and not for profit organisations for an efficient and consistent approach across the authority.

The report also outlined plans to review Sustainable City grants.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate

Change

       i.          Approved the recommendations for Sustainable City grants to voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in 2014-15 as set out in Appendix A of the Officer’s report, subject to confirmation of the Council’s 2014-15 budget in February 2014 and, in some cases, to the provision of further information from applicants.

     ii.          Approved the increase in delegated powers relating to the approval of sustainable city grant awards as follows:

·       Awards up to and including £5,000 to be approved by officers.

·       Awards from £5,001- £10,000 to be approved by the Executive Councillor inviting comments from the Chair and Spokes of the relevant scrutiny committee.

·       Awards above £10,000 to be approved by the Executive Councillor following consideration by the relevant scrutiny committee.

   iii.          Instructed Officers carry out a review of the Sustainable City grants as set out in section 3.8 of the Officer’s report; and report back to Environment Committee in June/July 2014 with recommendations about future budgets and funding priorities and arrangements.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Operations & Resources Manager.

In response to Members’ questions the Operations & Resources Manager said the following:

       i.          The e-Luminate project (#10, Appendix 1, P73) could receive £4,500 from the arts and recreation budget, in addition to the Sustainable City Grant for sustainability funding. Officers would work with e-Luminate representatives to help them develop a business plan.

     ii.          There was a typographical error in the Officer’s report regarding Centre 33 (#8, Appendix 1, P72). Amendments shown as bold and struck through text: Project developed by 20 isolated young carers to increase decrease their reliance on taxis etc - supporting them to develop skills and confidence to use bikes safely.  8 interactive sessions building confidence in cycling, training skills and bike maintenance.

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.