Agenda, decisions and minutes

Grants and Concessions Panel - Wednesday 24 June 2020 9.30 am

Venue: Virtual

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

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for Absence

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

Decision:

There were no apologies for absence.

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence.

 

2.

Approval of the Minutes pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on Wednesday 22 January 2020 and to note the Decision List from March 25 2020.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Resolved;

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 22 January 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

 

That the decision list taken on Wednesday 25 March 2020 be noted.

 

3.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Minutes:

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that the concessionary rent figure quoted in the Citizens Advice Bureau report on Wednesday 22 January was incorrect and informed the Panel of what the correct figure should be.

 

Mr Hyland confirmed that this did not affect the outcome of the decision.

 

4.

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:

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest in Item 6 as a member of Chichester City Council and also in Item 15 as a trustee of the Oxmarket Centre of Arts ltd.

 

Mr McAra declared a personal interest in Item 10 and also in Item 13 as a member of Midhurst Town Council.

 

Mrs Sharp declared a personal interest in Item 6 as a member of Chichester City Council.

 

5.

Concessionary Rent Relief 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 Chichester Bowls Club request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected

 

That the Chichester Bowls Club request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be rejected.

Minutes:

CONCESSIONARY RENT APPLICATION 1

 

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

 

That the Chichester Bowls Club request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected

 

That the Chichester Bowls Club request for a concessionary rent as set out in section 6.1 of the supplement report be rejected.

 

6.

Request for New Homes Bonus Variation

For decision.

Decision:

Mrs Apel and Mrs Sharp declared a personal interest.

 

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 Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2017 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 Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2017 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

 

Minutes:

Mrs Apel and Mrs Sharp declared a personal interest.

 

Mr Hyland explained that there had been a delay to the project due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and unforeseen complexity regarding the electrical input. Officers had no cause for concern in the variation request.

 

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 Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2017 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 Chichester City Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2017 as set out in section 4.1 of the report be refused.

 

 

7.

Grant Applications Financial Summary

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

 

Decision:

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

 

1.    That no extension would be granted to Birdham Animal Feeds on the remaining £500 of unspent grant funding which was due to expire on August 2020

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel approves the extension request

 

2.    That a six month extension would be granted to Springboard Media ltd for the unspent sum of £14,950.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel refuses to approve the extension request

Minutes:

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 for the financial year 2020/21 with £173,004 available.

 

Mr Cooper informed the Panel that since the last meeting the following two applications had been received and awarded through the Fast Track Scheme System;

 

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

 

Applicant:4Sight Vision Support

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Contribution towards the Outreach Service Covid 19 response

Sum Requested: £996.30

Sum Approved: £996.30

Reasons: The project helps and supports the visually impaired and the response will provide targeted support over the coming months

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

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

 

Applicant: Tuppenny Barn Education

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Contribution towards maintaining their food education.

Sum Requested: £1000

Sum Approved: £1000

Reasons: The education programme is aimed at improving lifestyles through the understanding of healthy eating.

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

Mr Cooper drew the Panel’s attention to the grant applications which were nearing their cut-off point. Following a discussion the Panel members agreed;

·         That they would not be willing to extend or offer a variation for the undrawn grant monies to Birdham Animal Feeds.

·         That they would allow a six month extension Springboard Media Ltd due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemdemic.

 

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

 

1.    That no extension would be granted to Birdham Animal Feeds on the remaining £500 of unspent grant funding which was due to expire on August 2020

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel approves the extension request

 

2.    That a six month extension would be granted to Springboard Media ltd for the unspent sum of £14,950.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel refuses to approve the extension request

 

8.

Fast Track Panel Membership

To appoint a new Fast Track Panel Member following a change in the membership of the Grants & Concessions Panel.

Decision:

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

 

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

Minutes:

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

 

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

 

9.

Grants Application - Economy

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Patterson Restorative Solutions Limited

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To support the expansion of an established business within Chichester District and to create employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.

Sum requested: £15,000

Sum approved: £15,000

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

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.

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Patterson Restorative Solutions Limited

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To support the expansion of an established business within Chichester District and to create employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.

Sum requested: £15,000

Sum approved: £15,000

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

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.

 

10.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 1

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

Declarations of interest: Mr Gordon McAra declared a personal interest

Purpose: To refurbished outdoor area and make it accessible to all users.

Sum requested: £5000

Sum approved: £5000

Reasons: To provide an outdoor area to the community hub, that is accessible to all users and encourages community cohesion through gardening and cycling.

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.

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Blue Bell Community Hub

Declarations of interest: Mr Gordon McAra declared a personal interest

Purpose: To refurbished outdoor area and make it accessible to all users.

Sum requested: £5000

Sum approved: £5000

Reasons: To provide an outdoor area to the community hub, that is accessible to all users and encourages community cohesion through gardening and cycling.

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.

 

 

11.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 2

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Brent Lodge Bird and Wildlife Trust

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To support a dedicated Hedgehog rescue and release service.

Sum requested: £5600

Sum approved: £5600

Reasons: To develop a network of release sites within the district, increase volunteering opportunities and to support an endangered native species.

Grant conditions: Subject to 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.

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Brent Lodge Bird and Wildlife Trust

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To support a dedicated Hedgehog rescue and release service.

Sum requested: £5600

Sum approved: £5600

Reasons: To develop a network of release sites within the district, increase volunteering opportunities and to support an endangered native species.

Grant conditions: Subject to 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.

 

12.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 3

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Loxwood Football Club

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: Loxwood FC ground development.

Sum requested: £3500

Sum approved: £3500

Reasons: To support a local sporting facility and allow them to maintain the status required to continue playing in the Southern Combination Premier Division.

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.

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Loxwood Football Club

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: Loxwood FC ground development.

Sum requested: £3500

Sum approved: £3500

Reasons: To support a local sporting facility and allow them to maintain the status required to continue playing in the Southern Combination Premier Division.

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.

 

13.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 4

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Midhurst Town Council

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

Purpose: To upgrade the local skate park and provide a state of the art facility for the local community.

Sum requested: £15,000

Sum approved: £15,000

Reasons: To provide a more fit for purpose facility and to encourage a wider range of users.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding condition.

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

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Midhurst Town Council

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

Purpose: To upgrade the local skate park and provide a state of the art facility for the local community.

Sum requested: £15,000

Sum approved: £15,000

Reasons: To provide a more fit for purpose facility and to encourage a wider range of users.

Grant conditions: Subject to a funding condition.

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

 

14.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 5

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Milland Parish Council

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To upgrade the current playground facilities available.

Sum requested: £2,111

Sum approved: £2,100

Reasons: To improve both the social and mental well-being of local residents.

Grant conditions: Subject to 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.

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Milland Parish Council

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To upgrade the current playground facilities available.

Sum requested: £2,111

Sum approved: £2,100

Reasons: To improve both the social and mental well-being of local residents.

Grant conditions: Subject to 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.

 

 

15.

Grant Application - Improving Places and Spaces 6

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Oxmarket Centre of Arts Ltd

Declarations of interest: Mrs Clare Apel declared a personal interest.

Purpose: To upgrade and improve the Oxmarket Gallery,

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: To increase the gallery space and improve facilities to make the centre more accessible to the wider 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.

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Oxmarket Centre of Arts Ltd

Declarations of interest: Mrs Clare Apel declared a personal interest.

Purpose: To upgrade and improve the Oxmarket Gallery,

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: To increase the gallery space and improve facilities to make the centre more accessible to the wider 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.

 

 

16.

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: Sussex Club for Young People

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To provide a mobile outreach youth service.

Sum requested: £6,000

Sum approved: £6,000

Reasons: To provide an outreach youth service to the remote areas of the district, in recognition for the particular need for services for young people at this time.

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.

 

Minutes:

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

 

Applicant: Sussex Club for Young People

Declarations of interest: None

Purpose: To provide a mobile outreach youth service.

Sum requested: £6,000

Sum approved: £6,000

Reasons: To provide an outreach youth service to the remote areas of the district, in recognition for the particular need for services for young people at this time.

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.

 

 

17.

Grants for VJ Celebrations

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

Decision:

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 awarded to Parish Councils for the support of community celebrations for VE Day be extended to include VJ Day.

2.    Those Parishes which have already accessed the fund for VE Day cannot reapply.

 

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel refuses to approve the extension request.

Minutes:

Mr Hyland presented a verbal update to the Panel. He explained that the fund had been very well received but as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic many of the planned celebrations had been cancelled. Parishes who had received funding had contacted officers to ask that they vary the use of the fund from supporting a community celebration to a more fixed commemoration such as a noticeboard or bench.

 

There were still some funds left and there had been a number of requests from Parish Councils asking for monies towards VJ Day celebrations.

 

After a short discussion the Panel agreed that the fund could remain open for the provision of small grants for Parish Councils towards VJ Day commemorations, however, Parish Councils who had already received funding for VE Day celebrations could not reapply. Mr Hyland would contact Parish Councils to make them aware.

 

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 awarded to Parish Councils for the support of community celebrations for VE Day be extended to include VJ Day.

2.    Those Parishes which have already accessed the fund for VE Day cannot reapply.

 

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Panel refuses to approve the extension request.

 

18.

COVID-19 Response

Minutes:

Mr Hyland presented the draft Covid-19 response to the Panel and the proposed funding allocations to aid recovery within the district.

 

Following a discussion the Panel agreed that they would meet after the report had been discussed at Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.

 

Mrs Baker would make arrangements for the meeting.

 

19.

Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting as Wednesday 16 September 2020.

Minutes:

The next meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday 16 September 2020 at 9.30am.