The Community Projects & Funding Officer presented a report which set out information about the Community Grant Scheme and summarised applications received by the Council from voluntary organisation for funding during 2019/20, together with recommended grants. The amount of funding available for the grants was £54,800.

The Chairman advised that, in addition, a large amount of funding was given to the Citizens Advice Bureau under a three-year service level agreement, currently in its first year.

A Member queried whether there was a follow up appraisal once the grant had been provided. The Community Projects & Funding Officer advised that the team would monitor the performance indicators after six months and a year. For smaller grants, a form would be completed by the organisation informing the Council whether the funding had been successfully used.

Members also indicated that they believed the funding level for some cases was insufficient. The Community Projects & Funding Officer advised that the Council worked with unsuccessful applicants to guide them on how to make their application more successful or whether they could get access to alternative funding. It was suggested that the level of funding should be increased in future years.

The Chairman paid tribute to the work of the voluntary sector, stating that in Sevenoaks District we were lucky to have a strong and supportive voluntary network, through which so many volunteers make such a difference. 

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved:  That the report be noted.