Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Community Funding & Development Manager regarding Community Grants.

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

      i.          Councillor Davies enquired how more successful bids could come from Queen Edith’s.

     ii.          Councillor Slatter stated that applicants should contact Officers prior to submitting application as Officers would be happy assist them with applications to ensure that no errors were made.

The Officer said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          Aware of issues in the application process. The Community Grants programme application process will be reviewed.

A member of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

1.       Applicant from Trumpington was present and enquired about why their bid was not successful. Stated he was aware that Officers response would be recorded/broadcast and minuted that gave approval for that. Said he has seen there was an underspend on grants in the South area and that not all grant money had been allocated. Stated he would like to know what will happen to these funds.

The Officer said the following in response to Applicants question:

      i.          Any underspend will be pooled and any groups wishing to apply may do so. They will be assessed in exactly the same way as previous applications.

2.       Applicant for grant stated he would like explained in detail why they did not receive all of the grant money the applied for.

The Officer said the following in response to Applicants question:

      i.          Did not have three unrelated directors. However, would be happy to make a partial award if that condition was met.

     ii.          It was determined that there was a limited measure of impact of the activity and how it would reduce social and economic deprivation. One off events did not have a sustained ongoing impact on social and economic deprivation. 

   iii.          Lack of funding from alternative sources. Expect groups to look to other sources for income and not just be fully funded by the council.

   iv.          Due to the cost of living crisis felt it was inappropriate to fund professional Santa and Elves. Felt that volunteers could fill these roles.

    v.          Previous awards were not recognised in accounts.

   vi.          Accounts information showed that reserves were available that could be contributed towards the activity.