Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

There were no apologies for absence.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 11 July 2018.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Panel meeting held on Wednesday 21 March 2018 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

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 prejudicial interest in relation to the application for grant by Revelation Community as a volunteer for their City Angels project.

Mrs Apel also declared a prejudicial interest in relation to the request for variation to New Homes Bonus in respect of Chichester City Council as a member of Chichester City Council.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed concessionary rent relief for Chichester Community Football Club Management Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed concessionary rent for Chichester Community Football Club Management Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be refused.

Mrs McKay presented Chichester Community Football Club Management Limited’s request for a concessionary rent to enable football to be played in the 2018/19 season.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed concessionary rent relief for Chichester Community Football Club Management Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed concessionary rent for Chichester Community Football Club Management Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be refused.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed concessionary rent relief for UK Harvest Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed concessionary rent for UK Harvest Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be refused.

Mrs McKay explained the challenges in securing a tenant for 3 Market Street, and the request from UK Harvest that would enable them to occupy the premises. In response to questions, Ms Williams was able to provide some further background to the nature of UK Harvest’s activities.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed concessionary rent relief for UK Harvest Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed concessionary rent for UK Harvest Limited as set out in section 6 of the report be refused.

Declarations of Interest: Mrs Apel confirmed that she is a Member of Chichester City Council and withdrew from the meeting.

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

That the proposed extension and variation to funding awarded to Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be approved.

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Westhampnett Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2014, 2015 and 2016 as set out in section 6.1 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Westhampnett Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2014, 2015 and 2016 as set out in section 6.1 of the report be refused.

Chichester City Council:

Declarations of Interest: Mrs Apel confirmed she was a member of Chichester City Council and withdrew from the meeting.

Mr Hyland outlined a request for extension and variation that would see the money reallocated to enable structural works to South Downs Planetarium as set out in section 4.2 of the report.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed extension and variation to funding awarded to Chichester City Council from New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed extension and variation to funding awarded to Chichester City Council from New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

Westhampnett Parish Council:

Mr Hyland explained that the request would essentially give Westhampnett Parish Council greater flexibility in the commissioning of their planned construction project. Members noted the recent recommendation by Cabinet to allocate S106 monies to the project, which will be considered by Full Council on 24th July 2018.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Westhampnett Parish Council from New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2014, 15 and 16 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Westhampnett Parish Council from New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2014, 15 and 16 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be approved.

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 the applications to be considered at the meeting and reminded the Panel that the budget would be a maximum of £175,000 for this year with £172,824.80 remaining.

The Panel noted the following fast track delegated grant applications decided since the last meeting:

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS FAST TRACK PANEL:

Applicant: Parochial Church Council of Southbourne with West Thorney

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Kitchen refurbishment to enable preparation of hot meals supporting the Coffee Connect drop-in cafe project at St John’s Church, Southbourne

Sum Requested: £1,000

Sum Approved: £1,000

Reasons: The improvements will encourage greater use of the community space and will benefit local residents including those who may otherwise be isolated

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS FAST TRACK PANEL:

Applicant: Boxgrove Women’s Institute

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Contribution towards the purchase of additional tables to support growing membership numbers

Sum Requested: £175.20

Sum Approved: £175.20

Reasons: A modest request which will support the increased membership of a community group

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS FAST TRACK PANEL:

Applicant: Lavant Parish Recreational Trust (LPRT)

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Contribution towards improvements to the toddler playground fencing

Sum Requested: £1,000

Sum Approved: £1,000

Reasons: The improvements will enhance the safety of the playground and therefore encourage greater community use

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

The Panel is asked to note the verbal report on progress of grants awarded  under this externally funded scheme.

Mrs Pellett summarised the progress in encouraging applicants and awarding grants to this externally funded scheme. Members noted the spread of awards across the three types of grant, and across the district.  Members were keen to be kept updated on further allocations.

For decision.

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Lurgashall Village Shop Limited

Purpose: Funding towards the interior refurbishment of Lurgashall Village Shop

Sum Requested: £10,648

Sum Approved: £11,000

Reasons: Recognition of the value of the project to the local community

Grants 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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Lurgashall Village Shop Limited

Purpose: Funding towards the interior refurbishment of Lurgashall Village Shop

Sum Requested: £10,648

Sum Approved: £11,000

Reasons: Recognition of the value of the project to the local community

Grants 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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Revelation Community – City Angels

Declarations of Interest: Mrs Apel confirmed that she is a volunteer for City Angels and withdrew from the meeting

Purpose: Funding towards the costs of delivering the City Angels service this year

Sum Requested: £3,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The project responds to an identified need which will benefit the local community

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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Revelation Community – City Angels

Declarations of Interest: Mrs Apel confirmed that she is a volunteer for City Angels and withdrew from the meeting

Purpose: Funding towards the costs of delivering the City Angels service this year

Sum Requested: £3,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The project responds to an identified need which will benefit the local community

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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Two year funding towards the co-ordination of “Chichester Law Clinic”

Sum Requested: £4,978

Sum Approved: £5,000

Reasons: Funding to facilitate the provision of specialist legal advice to residents who cannot afford to pay

Grant Conditions: Subject to a two year 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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Two year funding towards the co-ordination of “Chichester Law Clinic”

Sum Requested: £4,978

Sum Approved: £5,000

Reasons: Funding to facilitate the provision of specialist legal advice to residents who cannot afford to pay

Grant Conditions: Subject to a two year 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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Lifecentre

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Funding towards provision of counselling to survivors of rape and sexual abuse particularly for those living in the Think Family areas in the District

Sum Requested: £2,500

Sum Approved: £2,500

Reasons: Funding to provide identified number of counselling sessions to residents from Targeted areas of the District

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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: Lifecentre

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Funding towards provision of counselling to survivors of rape and sexual abuse particularly for those living in the Think Family areas in the District Sum Requested: £2,500

Sum Approved: £2,500

Reasons: Funding to provide identified number of counselling sessions to residents from Targeted areas of the District

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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: UK Harvest

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: “Food for Good” Education programme in Chichester District

Sum Requested: £7,500

Sum Approved: £7,500

Reasons: Programme shows alignment with vulnerable groups in the District

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement and the money has to be spent within Chichester District

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 IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PANEL:

Applicant: UK Harvest

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: “Food for Good” Education programme in Chichester District

Sum Requested: £7,500

Sum Approved: £7,500

Reasons: Programme shows alignment with vulnerable groups in the District

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement and the money has to be spent within Chichester District

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

The Panel is asked to consider how they would like to review current funding priorities, what information they would like to have to support the process of review and development of any new priorities for funding. 

Ms Williams reminded the Panel of the process of producing the Annual Report and the opportunity to consider the Priorities for funding ahead of the next financial year. In discussion, members felt that the priorities were broadly right but recognised the need for some amendment. It was agreed that officers would make recommendations to the Chair in advance of the next meeting and further consultation may take place with the Panel. Proposals for Priorities for Funding for the financial year 2019/20 will be made along with the Annual Report to be approved by the Grants and Concessions Panel at their meeting of 10 October 2018.

To note the date of the next meeting as Wednesday 26 September 2018.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 26 September at 9.30am in Committee Room 1, for the consideration of New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) Scheme applications.