Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Committee received an annual report for the Community Grants fund for voluntary and community not-for-profit organisations.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

       i.          Approved the Community Grants to voluntary and community organisations for 2018-19, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, subject to the budget approval in February 2018 and any further satisfactory information required of applicant organisations.

     ii.          Noted the updates on Volunteer for Cambridge and the Compact.

   iii.          Noted the corporate review of grant funding to the voluntary sector to ensure transparent, accountable process are implemented.

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 Community Funding and Development Manager.

The Community Funding and Development Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          The discretionary rate relief available varied according to how well projects met eligibility criteria.

     ii.          Projects that did not meet eligibility criteria were signposted to other funds.

   iii.          Organisations could make multiple project funding applications, each project would be treated on its own merit. Officers reviewed and monitored to ensure appropriate funding was given to each organisation.

   iv.          Officers worked with various organisations who were undergoing staff changes. Projects needed to be viable in order to receive funding. All projects listed in the Officer’s report required further work so those with staffing issues would not be disadvantaged.

    v.          Funding could be given in full or part with further contributions in stages. Any unallocated funding would be put back into the pot for reallocation during the year.

   vi.          Officers worked alongside projects during the applicant process to provide support. Those who were unsuccessful were not encouraged to reapply unless support can be given to improve their re-application. Feedback was available and signposts to more appropriate funding.

The Committee unanimously resolved 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.