The Portfolio Holder for Economic & Community Development introduced the report which set out information about the Community Grant Scheme and summarised applications received by the Council from voluntary organisations for funding during 2015/16.  Applications received had been appraised according to the Council’s Guidelines and those recommended for funding supported the aims of the scheme and represented value for money.

This matter had also been considered by the Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee on 12 February 2015 which supported the approval of the grants listed in the report.

The Cabinet commented that it had been unfortunate that some of the applicants had learnt that their applications were being recommended for refusal by being contacted by the local press, who had used the recommendations set out in the reports to contact them. Members said that there was a need to manage applicants’ expectations.

The Cabinet paid tribute to the invaluable work carried out by local voluntary organisations and volunteers who gave so freely of their time and energy to the enormous benefit of the communities within the District and beyond. 

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved:  That the grants set out in Appendix C to the report be approved subject to the following conditions:

i)               that performance indicators as set out in the application forms are adhered to and monitored;

ii)             that appropriate Safeguarding policies and arrangements are in place, where necessary;

iii)           that appropriate recognition of this Council’s funding contribution is made in all their publicity; and

iv)      where services are provided over a wider area than the District boundaries, organisations will be required to hold grant aid from this Council in a restricted fund for the benefit of Sevenoaks District residents.