Issue - meetings

To consider for approval changes to the Voluntary & Community Sector Grants Policy and the funding split and themes for the Grants Programme 2013/14.

(Report attached)

A report containing recommendations as to the funding split and themes for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) grants process for 2013/14 was considered by Members. Following an audit  of the VCS Grants Policy, a number of proposals were also being recommended in order that the policy might be strengthened.

The Committee highlighted the levels of support to the VCS which had been provided by the Council over a number of years and praised the support provided to the grants process and local organisations by the Council’s Voluntary Sector Grants Coordinator. In response to a query regarding disagreements over the provision of adequate financial information by VCS organisations following requests from the Council, Officers commented that the strengthening of the Policy was being undertaken for reasons such as this.

RECOMMEND that

1)         the following themes and percentages of funding be allocated for the 2013/14 voluntary and community sector grants process:

i)       Independent Communities          =  £135,000 – see 3.3.1

ii)      Community Development            =  £  55,000 – see 3.3.2

iii)     Thriving Communities                  =  £  20,000 –  see 3.3.3

iv)     Community Welfare                       =  £  20,000 – see 3.3.4

v)      Stronger Communities Grant Programme =  £  15,000 –  see 3.3.5

vi)     £1,000 be allocated from the Grants budget for the use by the Grants Team to deliver:

a)                 networking and promotional events;

b)                 advertising and communication support;

c)                 newsletters;

(See paragraph 3.3 of the report for background & full breakdown of theme splits and key project support areas);

2)         delegated authority for final approval in respect to the Stronger Community Grants to the Head of Community Services be continued; and

3)         the changes detailed at paragraph 4.4 of the report designed to strengthen the Voluntary & Community Sector Grants Policy be approved.