Agenda, decisions and minutes

Any apologies for absence that have been received will be noted at this point.

Apologies of absence had been received from Mr Gareth Evans.

No other apologies were received.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on Wednesday 23 October 2019.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 23 October 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

There were no matters arising.

Members and officers are reminded to make any declarations of disclosable pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests they may have in respect of matters on the agenda for this meeting.

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest in respect of the funding agreement relating to Stonepillow and also as a member of the City Angels.

To note the financial information, fast track grants approved since the last meeting and any grants nearing the three year cut off.

The Panel considered the report. Mr Cooper drew attention to the value of applications to be considered at the meeting and reminded the Panel that the budget allocation was a maximum of £175,000 with £88,353 remaining.

Mr Cooper informed the Panel that since the last meeting there have been no applications through the fast track scheme.

Mrs Apel left the room whilst the grant for City Angels was discussed. Mrs Sharp asked why the grant which the City Angels had applied for had not yet been claimed. Mr Hyland explained that officers had recently met with City Angels and confirmed that the grant had since been paid.

Mr Elliott enquired what would happen if grants are not spent within the three year period. Mr Cooper informed the Panel that any unspent/unclaimed funds are returned to Council reserves.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Dementia Support

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Delivery and development of the Chichester Dementia Friendly Community group (DFC)

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: To support work to create a stronger partnership to engage more organisations and broaden awareness of dementia.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Dementia Support

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Delivery and development of the Chichester Dementia Friendly Community group (DFC)

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: To support work to create a stronger partnership to engage more organisations and broaden awareness of dementia.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Ovation Music – Ovation Music Summer Festival

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: To deliver a festival for young people and showcase local music and artistic talent.

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: Providing a festival to increase community cohesion and help improve the wellbeing and social resilience of young people

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement which will include that all appropriate land and licensing applications are approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Ovation Music – Ovation Music Summer Festival

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: To deliver a festival for young people and showcase local music and artistic talent.

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: Providing a festival to increase community cohesion and help improve the wellbeing and social resilience of young people

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement which will include that all appropriate land and licensing applications are approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Fishbourne Tennis Club (FTC)

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Contribution towards the Court 1 improvement scheme.

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: To provide a more fit for purpose facility and encourage the increase in the number of groups who are able to make use of the Court.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Fishbourne Tennis Club (FTC)

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Contribution towards the Court 1 improvement scheme.

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: To provide a more fit for purpose facility and encourage the increase in the number of groups who are able to make use of the Court.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Panel agreed to the proposal to offer The Bowls Club a rent subsidy in respect of their temporary occupation of the Brick Pavilion in Priory Park outlined in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse the proposal to offer The Bowls Club a rent subsidy in respect of their temporary occupation of the Brick Pavilion in Priory Park outlined in section 6 of the report.

.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Panel agreed to the proposal to offer The Bowls Club a rent subsidy in respect of their temporary occupation of the Brick Pavilion in Priory Park outlined in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse the proposal to offer The Bowls Club a rent subsidy in respect of their temporary occupation of the Brick Pavilion in Priory Park outlined in section 6 of the report.

.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Cabinet approve the Lessee’s (Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Cabinet refuse the Lessee’s (Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report.

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Panel approve the Lessee’s (Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse the Lessee’s (Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Cabinet approve the Lessee’s (Relate North and South West Sussex) request for a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Cabinet refuse the Lessee’s (Relate North and South West Sussex) request for a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

RESOLVED BY THE MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

That the Panel approve the Lessee’s (Relate North and South West Sussex) request for a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse the Lessee’s (Relate North and South West Sussex) request for a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

Panel to consider possible funding arrangements for small grants to Parishes.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

1.    That the provision of small grants to Parish Councils to support community celebrations of VE Day be approved.

2.    That funding to a maximum of £10,000 be allocated from the remaining funds in the New Homes Bonus budget for 19/20 and the grants pot 19/20. Grants should be to a maximum of £250.

3.    That the arrangements for such grants; including officer delegations for devising the detail of the scheme and determining applications be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse to approve the provision of a small grant for Parish Councils to support community celebrations of VE Day.

.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

1.    That the provision of small grants to Parish Councils to support community celebrations of VE Day be approved.

2.    That funding to a maximum of £10,000 be allocated from the remaining funds in the New Homes Bonus budget for 19/20 and the grants pot 19/20. Grants should be to a maximum of £250.

3.    That the arrangements for such grants; including officer delegations for devising the detail of the scheme and determining applications be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Panel refuse to approve the provision of a small grant for Parish Councils to support community celebrations of VE Day.

Mr Hyland presented the report to the Panel. He explained that in previous years Chichester District Council have made a small grant available to Parish Councils to support the participation in national acts of commemoration or celebration, for example the centenary of the end of World War 1. Unlike previous years there is no national ‘event’ such as the beacons, which parishes can participate in. However, a number of district councillors have been approached by their local community enquiring if there is any grant available to support local celebrations for VE75. 

After discussion the Panel agreed that they would like to offer Parish Councils the opportunity to apply for a small grant to the value of £250 towards VE75 celebrations. The Panel agreed to support and endorse Mr Hyland’s proposal set out in 4.3 of the report. 

Separate to the grants pot, the Panel monitors the performance of four key voluntary sector organisations. The Panel is asked to note the attached summary reports.

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

That the performance of ACCA under their joint contract during 2019/20 be noted.

Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC):

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

That the performance of VAAC in discharging their Funding Agreement targets for 2019/20 be noted.

Shopmobility (Chichester) – a service provided by Community First Wessex (CF):

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

1.    That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement due to end in March 2020 be noted.

2.    That a new Funding Agreement with a year’s duration be negotiated for 2020/21.

3.    That consideration is given to an uplift of grant to £18,000

Stonepillow (St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association Ltd):

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this item was discussed.

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

1.    That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement due to end March 2020 be noted.

2.    That funding to support staffing of the Day Centre service be agreed for a further 3 year period and an appropriate agreement be negotiated.

3.    That the value be increased in line with inflation £31,000

Miss Williams presented the report to the Panel.

She explained that separate to the grants pot, the Panel is asked to monitor performance of four key voluntary sector organisations.  These Agreements are funded from base budget and decisions delegated to the Director of Housing and Communities.  The Panel discussed the detailed reports on each of the organisations. 

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):

Following consultation with the GCP in January 2019, Cabinet had recommended that funding be made available for up to three years as part of a countywide contract, this is now in place. ACCA offer a broad range of advice services in the District and there remains a clear demand for the services offered particularly with regards to advice around benefits, housing, debt and universal credit. The standard of work undertaken by ACCA was of a high standard; as a point of note Miss Williams informed the GCP that the ACCA scored at the highest standard in their recent quality audit.

In recognition of the high level of service provided by the ACCA Mr Briscoe asked that a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the GCP.

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

1. That the performance of ACCA under their joint contract during 2019/20 be noted.
2. That funding for year two of the three year agreement be released in April 2020.

Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC):

Miss Williams informed the Panel that the VAAC are funded by CDC to deliver a range of support and information services to local community and voluntary organisations. Review of the funding has identified strong performance by the VAAC in line with the monitoring agreement negotiated this year, with a steady number of new groups setting up over the last year.

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

1. That the performance of VAAC in discharging their Funding Agreement targets for 2019/20 be noted.
2. That funding for year two of the three year agreement be released in April 2020.

Shopmobility (Chichester) – a service provided by Community First Wessex (CF):

Miss Williams explained to the Panel that Shopmobility was a service which offered the affordable short and long term hire of scooters and manual wheelchairs to anyone living or visiting Chichester with a temporary or permanent mobility problem. There is a high level of attrition local service clients (with a steady visitor use).

Miss Williams informed the Panel that previous funding agreements had challenged the provider to adapt the business model within the same financial envelope to test if there were more effective ways for the service to be provided.  No realistic alternative models were identified. 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:

1.    That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement due to end in March 2020 be noted.

2.    That a new Funding Agreement with a year’s duration be negotiated for 2020/21.

3.    That consideration is given to an uplift of grant to £18,000

Stonepillow (St Richard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 205.

The Panel will receive a presentation on grants managed by the Economic Development Service.

Mr Briscoe welcomed Mr Irvine, Economic Development Officer, to the Panel meeting.

Mr Irvine provided the Panel with a presentation on the Enabling Grant and support programme for Independent Retail Businesses (Shop Front). The presentation provided members with; a background to the different grants administered and supported by the team, what the uptake was for the grants, as well as providing an overview of how the team supports local businesses.

In response to members questions Mr Irvine assured them that should they require any further information or assistance officers would be more than willing to assist.

The Panel will receive an update on the NHB Tour

Miss Beeney presented the proposed draft itinerary for the New Homes Bonus tour to the Panel and invited the Panel members to comment. She did explain that unfortunately due to a prior booking the Panel would be unable to visit the Westhampnett Community Centre; instead they would now visit the Garden of Reflection and Reconciliation.

Mr Sutton apologised that due to a prior commitment he would be unable to attend the tour. Apologies had also been received from Mr Evans.

No further comments were made.

The Panel are asked to approve the indicative allocations for 2020/21 in advance of budget approval by Cabinet.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE

That the New Homes Bonus Indicative Allocation for 2020/21 presented be approved for circulation without amendment, subject to the approval of the council’s budget for 2020/21.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND CULTURE

That the New Homes Bonus Indicative Allocation for 2020/21 presented be approved for circulation without amendment, subject to the approval of the council’s budget for 2020/21.

In Mr Hyland’s absence Miss Williams presented the table of Indicative Allocations for the New Homes Bonus.

The Panel agreed that the New Homes Indicative Allocation could be circulated to Parishes following the approval of the Council’s Budget at the Cabinet meeting on 4 February.

To note the date of the next meeting as 25 March 2020 at 9.30am in Training Room 1.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2020 at 9.30am in Training Room 1.