Agenda item

Stronger Communities Programme

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Minutes:

 Members considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of the last grant funding round of the Stronger Communities Programme, which closed on 24 May 2019. Members noted a slight amendment, as set out in paragraphs 5 - 9 of the report.  So as not to affect the programme timing, officers asked for authority to be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee, in order agree the exact wording.

 

During the discussion, the following points were noted:

 

  • There was some dissatisfaction expressed in terms of the complexity of the process, particularly for small community groups, and the length of time taken to reach a decision.  Members felt this was evidenced by the under-utilisation of the scheme.

 

  • The scheme should be advertised more widely, particularly at Golden Lane Resident Association Meetings. 

 

  • Applicants were given feedback on rejected applications.  In many cases, this was due to the proposal not being City focussed.

 

  • Members noted a proposal to introduce a rolling programme, to be agreed under delegated authority for small grants, which would be explored in more detail in a report to the November Committee.  Officers agreed to take the above comments back to the City Bridge Trust Team. 

 

RESOLVED, That:

 

  1. The changes to the Stronger Communities eligibility criteria, as set out in the report, be approved, with the final wording of the amendment delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee

 

  1. The grants approved by Stronger Communities funding, as set out in the report, be endorsed. 

 

Supporting documents: