Chichester District Council
Agenda, decisions and minutes

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Woolstaplers Room, The Novium

Contact: Fiona Baker on 01243 534609  Email:  fbaker@chichester.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

112.

Apologies for Absence

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

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor G Evans and Councillor D Rodgers.

 

113.

Approval of the Minutes pdf icon PDF 71 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 20 March 2019.

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the meeting of 20 March 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

 

114.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Minutes:

Miss Williams informed the Panel that following on from the 20 March meeting where officers were given delegated powers to update forms and guidance notes, as recorded in paragraph 100 of the minutes, all forms and guidance notes had now been updated by officers.

 

 

115.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

Mr Briscoe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the application for the Concessionary Rent Relief made by the 1st Westbourne Scouts and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed. Mrs Taylor as the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning took the Chair for this item.

 

Mr McAra declared a personal interest in the application for grant from the Blue Bell Community Hub and left room when this application was discussed.

 

116.

Concessionary Rent Application

For decision.

Decision:

CONCESSIONARY RENT APPLICATION 1

 

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

 

That the Football Club Facilities, Oaklands Park, Chichester request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be approved (please note that the decision to grant the associated lease will be taken separately by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019).

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Football Club Facilities, Oaklands Park, Chichester request for concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be rejected.

 

CONCESSIONARY RENT APPLICATION 2

 

RESOLVED BY THE DEPUTY LEADER AND CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING  IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

 

Declaration of Interests: Mr R Briscoe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the application and left the room whilst the application was discussed.

 

That the 1st Westbourne Scout Group request for concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the 1st Westbourne Scout Group request for concessionary rent  as set out in section 6.1 of the report be rejected.

 

 

Minutes:

CONCESSIONARY RENT RELIEF - APPLICATION 1

 

Mrs McKay presented the report and explained that the request for concessionary rent relief related to the football club facilities in Oaklands Park. Mrs McKay informed the panel that the previous lease had been terminated in March 2018 due to concerns over continued breaches in contract; a short term lease is currently in place and will expire at the end of July 2019, to allow the Chichester City & Portfield United Football Club to continue to use the site as their home football ground.

 

To ensure continued use of the site, an informal tender process took place offering a new lease from 1st August 2019. Chichester Community Football Club Management Ltd are the preferred tendered. The football club provides a valuable community resource and there is commitment from the new directors and club management to continue to develop youth and ladies’ football. The granting of the lease is been taking to the Cabinet meeting on 7th July 2019 for approval. Members of the Grants and Concession Panel are asked to consider the request for the concessionary rent relief

 

The panel were supportive of the request and agreed to the concessionary rent requested.

 

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

 

That the Football Club Facilities, Oaklands Park, Chichester request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be approved (please note that the decision to grant the associated lease will be taken separately by the Cabinet at its meeting on 9 July 2019).

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Football Club Facilities, Oaklands Park, Chichester request for concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be rejected.

 

 

 

CONCESSIONARY RENT RELIEF - APPLICATION 2

 

Declaration of Interests: Mr R Briscoe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the application and left the room whilst discussed.

 

Miss Collins explained that the request for concessionary rent related to the land and premises used by the 1st Westbourne Scout Group. The Group are in occupation under a lease which was reviewed in 2015. A review was undertaken by Accountancy Services and it was suggested that the rent the Group could afford was £150 per year, this was agreed by the Grants and Concessions Panel on 22nd January 2015.

 

The rent is now due for review. The Estates team have inspected the property and the market rent has been assessed and it has been concluded that there is no evidence to support a rise at this time. Therefore the Group ask that the rent payable remains the same.

 

The panel were supportive of the request and agreed to the concessionary rent requested.

 

RESOLVED BY THE DEPUTY LEADER AND CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING  IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

 

 

That the 1st Westbourne Scout Group request for concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

117.

Discretionary Rate Relief Application

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

That the 4Sight Vision Support request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be refused on the grounds of exceptional circumstances not been demonstrated.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the 4Sight Vision Support request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be approved for a period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

 

Minutes:

Mr Barnes explained that the application had been made by 4Sight Vision Support. 4Sight Vision Support is a sight loss charity supporting the visually impaired community of West Sussex, they currently have around 3000 members and 400 volunteers. Whilst 4Sight Vision Support is largely self-funded it also relies on grant support from trusts, foundations and local authorities.

 

The exceptional circumstances cited by the applicant are that from November 2019 West Sussex County Council will be withdrawing their grant support.

 

The panel considered the situation and felt that the situation cited did not amount to exceptional circumstances and refused the reward requested.

 

 

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

 

That the 4Sight Vision Support request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be refused on the grounds of exceptional circumstances not been demonstrated.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the 4Sight Vision Support request for discretionary rate relief as set out in the report be approved for a period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

 

 

118.

New Homes Bonus - Request for Variation

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Fishbourne Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 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 Fishbourne Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

 

Minutes:

Mr Hyland explained that a request for a variation to a New Homes Bonus (NHB) funding of £2,734, previously awarded for the installation of acoustic tiling and an external awning to the Fishbourne Centre had been received from Fishbourne Parish Council.

 

My Hyland explained that through regular monitoring of all funded projects it had been identified by Fishbourne Parish Council that the centre management had also decided to look at the installation of air condition, which would be likely to cause conflict with the installation of the proposed acoustic tiling.

 

Having considered a number of options the Parish Council would like to proceed with the installation of a larger awning (6.5m) to the south of the building.

 

The panel were supportive of the request and agreed that the proposed variation to the funding awarded to Fishbourne Parish Council be awarded.

 

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Fishbourne Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 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 Fishbourne Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

 

 

 

119.

Fast Track Panel membership and funding allocation

To decide the membership of the Fast Track Panel and its funding allocation.

Decision:

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

 

That the membership of the Fast Track Panel will be Mr Roy Briscoe, Mr Gareth Evans and Mrs Sarah Sharp. Mr Alan Sutton will be the reserve Panel Member should either Mr Evans or Mrs Sharp be unavailable.

Minutes:

Mr Hyland explained that the Fast Track Grants and Concessions can award grants of up to £1000.   For expediency, a “Panel” comprising of the Cabinet Member plus two Panel members, determine these applications by email.  An additional Member could be appointed member to act as a reserve. Decisions are reported back at the following Grants and Concessions Panel. Members of the Panel need to be able to respond to email within two to three days, so that applications can be turnaround within a four week timescale; from submission to decision.

 

The number of applications made last year through this process was 23.

 

Cllr Briscoe informed the Panel that he had spoken to Cllr Evans to ask him to represent the North of the District and Cllr Sharp to represent the South of the District, both councillors had confirmed they were happy to do this. Cllr Sutton agreed to be the reserve Councillor, should Cllr Evans or Cllr Sharp be away.

 

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

 

That Fast Track applications will be determined by  Mr Roy Briscoe in consultation with  Mr Gareth Evans and Mrs Sarah Sharp. Mr Alan Sutton will be the reserve Panel Member should either Mr Evans or Mrs Sharp be unavailable.

 

 

 

120.

Grant Applications Financial Summary

To note the financial information, fast track grants approved since the last meeting.

 

Minutes:

The Panel considered the report. Mr Cooper informed the panel that there had been three Fast Track applications considered since the last meeting, all were listed in table 3.4 of the report. Mr Cooper informed the Panel that these applications were funded through the 2018/19 funding allocation and that the Panel still had a sum of £175,000 funding available for the coming year.

 

The Panel noted the report.

 

 

 

 

121.

Grant Application - Economy

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Springboard Media Ltd

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To assist in the relocation costs of a successful independent business, this will bring growth to the local economy and a commitment to provide employment opportunities for local people.

Sum Requested: £14,950

Sum Approved: £14,950

Reasons:Will benefit the local economy and provide local employment opportunities.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Springboard Media Ltd

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To assist in the relocation costs of a successful independent business, this will bring growth to the local economy and a commitment to provide employment opportunities for local people.

Sum Requested: £14,950

Sum Approved: £14,950

Reasons:Will benefit the local economy and provide local employment opportunities.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

 

122.

Grant Application - Improving Living Places and Spaces

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Blue Bell Community Hub Ltd (Community Benefit Society CBS)

Declarations of Interest: Mr Gordon McAra declared a personal interest.

Purpose: Blue Bell Community Hub Refurbishment

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons:To assist in the next phase of refurbishment which will make the Blue Bell accessible to people with reduced mobility and fit for the community Hub purpose.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Blue Bell Community Hub Ltd (Community Benefit Society CBS)

Declarations of Interest: Mr Gordon McAra declared a personal interest and left the room whilst the application was discussed.

Purpose: Blue Bell Community Hub Refurbishment

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons:To assist in the next phase of refurbishment which will make the Blue Bell accessible to people with reduced mobility and fit for the community Hub purpose. 

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

 

123.

Grant Application - Targeted Projects

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Coastal West Sussex Mind  

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To provide a contribution towards a new one-year post at the Midhurst service hub whose role will create greater capacity within their service to meet increasing demand for their support and activity programme in the north of the District.

Sum Requested: £6,816

Sum Approved: £6,820

Reasons:A valuable service promoting good mental health and reducing stigma, able to evidence increasing local demand and the impact of the service.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Coastal West Sussex Mind 

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To provide a contribution towards a new one-year post at the Midhurst service hub whose role will create greater capacity within their service to meet increasing demand for their support and activity programme in the north of the District.

Sum Requested: £6,816

Sum Approved: £6,820

Reasons:A valuable service promoting good mental health and reducing stigma, able to evidence increasing local demand and the impact of the service.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

 

 

 

124.

Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting as the 18 September 2019 at 9.30am in Training Room 1.

Minutes:

The date for the next meeting was scheduled for 12th September 2019 at 9.30am to be held in Training Room 2.

 

The meeting ended at 2.43pm.

 

125.

Concessionary rent 2

 

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