The Portfolio Holder for Economic and Community Development introduced a report recommending minor changes to the Council’s Community Grant Scheme guidelines in order to streamline the application process, place greater emphasis on volunteering and ensure that that the scheme did not subsidise statutory services provided by the voluntary sector for other authorities under commissioning or other contract arrangements.

The Council’s Community Grant Scheme helped voluntary organisations who provided services for residents of the District and contributed to relevant priorities set out in the Community Plan.  The total budget available for distribution in 2013/14 was £153,331, including £98,540 for the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CABx).  Funding for the CABx was subject to a three year Service Level Agreement from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015.  The grant budget was agreed as part of the annual budget setting process.

The changes being recommended to the guidelines were:

·                The scheme’s priorities to now include an increased emphasis on supporting volunteers and volunteering;

·                One application form for all applications, to be completed electronically. Previously there were two application forms, one for funding up to £500 and one for funding over £500, up to £5,000.

·                Compulsory performance indicators were suggested for all applications:

§    For applications up to £500:

(a)           Number of residents benefiting from the grant;

(b)           Number of volunteers benefiting from the grant;

§    For applications over £500 and up to £5,000:

(a)           And (b) above, plus at least three additional appropriate indicators.

·                Applicants may not apply for funding for projects, services or activities that their organisation were already delivering in the District as part of an existing contract or service level agreement with another funder.

·                In addition, a minimum application amount of £100 was suggested. The maximum application amount remains unchanged, at £5,000;

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That the proposed Community Grant guidelines as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be agreed.