Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director of BHE

The Committee considered a report of the Managing Director of BHE providing details of: funds approved and rejected under delegated authority since the last meeting of the Grants Committee in June 2022 through to 8^th September 2022; the remaining 2022/2023 grants budget; grants spend to date and for this meeting by London Borough compared with the Multiple Index of Deprivation; any grant variations that have been approved under delegated authority; and seeking approval for 6 grant rejections and 11 grants over £250,000. The Managing Director of BHE introduced the report, adding that feedback on the format of the report from Members would be welcomed.

With regards to the applications recommended for approval, the Managing Director of BHE clarified points in respect of the applications for Haringey Law Centre and Central England Law Centre in response to questions from Members. The Managing Director of BHE further advised that there was no requirement for fallow periods between infrastructure grants. The Chair then drew the Committee’s attention to the recommendations for grant approvals, which were agreed.

With regards to the applications recommended for rejection, the Managing Director of BHE advised that there was a good example of mitigations against unsuitable applications, but that this process was continually reviewed for vulnerabilities or possible improvements. In response to a question from a Member, the Managing Director of BHE advised that the rate of rejections from CBT was comparable to similar funders, adding that it was hoped to increase the visibility of eligibility criteria and questions through improvements to the website. The Chair then drew the Committee’s attention to the recommendations for grant rejections, which were agreed.

RESOLVED – That the Grants Committee of the Bridge House Estates Board, in the discharge of functions for the City Corporation as Trustee of Bridge House Estates (charity no. 1035628) and solely in the charity’s best interests:

i)              Receive this report and note its contents;

ii)             Approve the following grants as recommended:

•     London Legal Support Trust - £362,200 over two years

•     Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau - £316,200 over 5 years

•     The Felix Project - £300,000 over 3 years

•     AFRUCA – Safeguarding Children - £342,250 over five years

•     Fine Cell Work - £251,355 over five years

•     Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Anti-Violence and Policing Group - £300,350 over five years

•     Haringey Law Centre - £292,785 over three years

•     The Vineyard Community Centre - £263,600 over five years

•     Partnership for Young London - £369,000 over five years

•     Central England Law Centre - £476,750 over five years

•     Thames Reach Charity - £256,700 over five years; and,

iii)           Approve the rejection of grants as listed in the schedule appended to the report.