Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chairman will announce any late items that will be discussed under agenda item 14.

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

Apologies of absence had been received from Mr John Elliott and Mr Gareth Evans.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 20 January 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 20 January 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that since the last meeting a request for an extension to a New Homes Bonus allocation had been received from Chichester City Council. As was agreed by Panel members at the last meeting, the Chairman took a decision for the request outside the meeting. This decision had been through the call-in process and the extension subsequently granted.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made.

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 (Chichester Harbour and Selsey Sea Cadets) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the Cabinet refuse the Lessee’s (Chichester Harbour and Selsey Sea Scouts) request to maintain 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 Cabinet approve the Lessee’s (Chichester Harbour and Selsey Sea Cadets) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Cabinet refuse the Lessee’s (Chichester Harbour and Selsey Sea Scouts) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set out in section 6 of the report

Mrs Powell informed the Panel that, following recent discussions with the Bowls Club located in Priory Park, it was anticipated that the Club would wish to lease the adjoining Brick Pavilion in Priory Park over the summer period as they had done in previous years whilst options for the future of the premises be considered.  Mrs Powell asked if the Panel would support the recommendation that the Chairman make a decision outside the meeting on whether a Concessionary Rent Relief is awarded, any decision taken would be subject to the normal call-in procedure.

The Panel agreed that they were all in favour of the recommendation.

Resolved;

That the Grants and Concessions Panel agree that the Chairman can make a decision on whether to award a Concessionary Rent Relief or not; if such a request is made.

The Panel will receive an update on the Covid Recovery Grants.

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

That delegation be given to officers to review and extend current agreements to the Covid Recovery Grants on a case by case basis.

The Chairman invited Mr Hyland to provide the Panel with a final update for the Covid Recovery Grants. Mr Hyland informed the Panel that all of the allocated £500,000 had been awarded and drew the Panel’s attention to page 17 of the report which detailed how the monies had been allocated.

Ms Burgoyne added that feedback from businesses that had received funding via the grant had been very positive. In response to a question from the Panel Ms Burgoyne agreed that it would be very good idea to put out some further press releases to promote the scheme; and the businesses and groups, that it has supported, she would pick this up with Ms Parker’s team outside the meeting.

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that there was one outstanding issue in relation to the grants. He explained that all those who received a large grant through the scheme were subject to a funding agreement that the money would be spent within six months (from receipt of the agreement), however, due to subsequent lockdowns some of those original recipients were nearing the end of the six month agreement and had asked if they could be awarded an extension. Following discussion members agreed that where appropriate extensions to grants should be allowed. They agreed that delegation be awarded to officers for them to individually assess requests and award extensions where appropriate.

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

That delegation be given to officers to review large Covid Recovery Grants and extend current agreements for up to 6 months, on a case by case basis.

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

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

1.    That a 12 month extension be granted to Transition Chichester for their unspent sum of £3,000.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

2.    That a six month extension be granted to Chichester Community Development Trust for their unspent sum of £2,694.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

3.    That a 12 month extension be granted to Heartspace for their unspent sum of £1,950.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

4.    That an extension be granted to Ovation Music till September 2022 for their unspent sum of £10,000.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

The Panel considered the report. Mr Cooper drew the Panel’s attention to the value of applications to be considered at the meeting. He informed the Panel that since the report had been circulated a further Fast Track application had cleared call-in, which meant that the Panel had a sum of £51,268.30 available, from a budget allocation of £175,000 for the year.

Mr Cooper informed the Panel that since 20 January 2021 a total of £1,918.70 had been approved through the Fast Track Scheme. The Panel noted the following delegated decisions;

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

Applicant: Midhurst Cricket Club

Priority: Improving Places and Spaces

Purpose: Contribution towards the replacement of outdoor nets

Sum Requested: £939.70

Sum Approved: £939.70

Reasons: To provide a modern facility for the community and increase participation

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement; restricted to beneficiaries from the Chichester District

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

Applicant:Westgate Gymnastics

Priority: Improving Places & Spaces/Targeted Projects

Purpose: To purchase new equipment.

Sum Requested: £979

Sum Approved: £979

Reasons: To promote health, fitness and confidence within the community

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

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

1. That a 12 month extension be granted to Transition Chichester for their unspent sum of £3,000.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

2. That a six month extension be granted to Chichester Community Development Trust for their unspent sum of £2,694.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

3. That a 12 month extension be granted to Heartspace for their unspent sum of £1,950.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

4. That an extension be granted to Ovation Music till September 2022 for their unspent sum of £10,000.

Alternative options considered and rejected: That the Panel refuses the extension request

For decision.

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

Applicant: 1^st Southbourne Sea Scout Group

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To maintain and preserve a popular community facility.

Sum requested: £7,675

Sum approved: £7,675

Reasons: To provide a modern facility for the community and increase participation

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 the application.

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

Applicant: 1st Southbourne Sea Scout Group

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To maintain and preserve a popular community facility.

Sum requested: £7,675

Sum approved: £7,675

Reasons: To provide a modern facility for the community and increase participation

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 the application.

For decision.

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

Applicant: Wisborough Green Village Hall (WGVH)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To contribute to Phase One of the Village Hall Regeneration and Transformation Programme.

Sum requested: £20,000

Sum approved: £20,000

Reasons:  To provide a modern facility for the community and increase participation

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 the application.

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

Applicant: Wisborough Green Village Hall (WGVH)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To contribute to Phase One of the Village Hall Regeneration and Transformation Programme.

Sum requested: £20,000

Sum approved: £20,000

Reasons: To provide a modern facility for the community and increase participation

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 the application.

For decision.

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

Applicant: Sylvia Beaufoy Centre (previously Petworth Youth Association)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Contribution towards equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: £5,000

Reasons: To provide young people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to learn a new set of skills and build confidence.

 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 the application.

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

Applicant: Sylvia Beaufoy Centre (previously Petworth Youth Association)

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: Contribution towards equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: £5,000

Reasons: To provide young people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to learn a new set of skills and build confidence.

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 the application.

For decision.

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

Applicant: West Sussex Mind – Midhurst Hub

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To provide a contribution towards a project to extend the service’s reach to individuals and communities who are not able to access mental health advice.

Sum requested: £8,800

Sum approved: £8,800

Reasons: To provide support to those in the north of the district suffering from mental health issues.

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 the application.

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

Applicant: West Sussex Mind – Midhurst Hub

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Purpose: To provide a contribution towards a project to extend the service’s reach to individuals and communities who are not able to access mental health advice.

Sum requested: £8,800

Sum approved: £8,800

Reasons: To provide support to those in the north of the district suffering from mental health issues.

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 the application.

The Panel are asked to consider and approve the NHB indicative allocation for 2021/22.

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

That the New Homes Bonus Indicative Allocation for 2021/22 presented be approved for circulation without amendment.

Mr Hyland presented the report to the Panel. He explained that the budget for the year had been approved and was available.

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that they would be required to review the Allocation Scheme going forward. He explained that the Allocation Scheme was a document valid for only four years and this round of funding was being allocated in the fourth year.

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

That the New Homes Bonus Indicative Allocation for 2021/22 presented be approved for circulation without amendment

The Panel will discuss funding priorities for the forthcoming financial year.

Mr Hyland drew the Panel’s attention to page 33 of the agenda pack and provided the Panel with an overview of the current funding priorities and principles.

The Panel discussed the impact of covid-19 and agreed that the current priorities allowed applicants to make an application that may be in response to the pandemic.

Resolved;

The Panel agreed that Chichester District Council’s priorities and principles for funding remain the same.

The Panel will consider any late items as announced by the Chairman under agenda item 1.

There were no late items.

Mrs Apel asked if it would be possible (when permitted) for the Panel to visit businesses/groups that have received funding through the Covid Recovery Grant scheme. Mr Hyland suggested that this could be combined with the NHB tour and suggested that further consideration be given at the next meeting when there will be more clarity around what can and cannot be done within government guidance. 

To note the date of the next meeting as Wednesday 30 June 2021, at 9.30am.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 30 June at 9.30am.