Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision:  

To consider the review of the grants that were awarded by Community Services Scrutiny Committee from the Housing General Fund for 2012-14 in the context of the corporate policy and to consider recommendations to continue to grant fund the organisations during 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing:

The Executive Councillor resolved:

     i.        To agree, subject to the budget setting process and formal adoption by Council of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 budgets, the funding to the voluntary sector organisations as detailed in the Officer’s report

    ii.        To note, the proposed Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Homelessness Prevention Grant budget allocation for 2014-15

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 Housing Advice Service Manager regarding the Housing General Fund Grants to Voluntary Organisations 2014-16. He updated the Committee on recent reductions in the Homelessness Prevention Grant received from DCLG.

The Committee expressed concerns about the impact of inclement weather on rough sleepers and the status of the Severe Weather Emergency Provision budget. The Executive Councillor confirmed that, although the budget was no longer ring fenced, a decision had been made to maintain it. In addition, the Officer confirmed that there was some flexibility regarding the weather event triggers and additional spending.

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

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.