Chichester District Council
Agenda, decisions and minutes

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: virtually

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

Items
No. Item

74.

Chairman's Announcements and Apologies for Absence

The Chairman will announce any late items that will be discussed under agenda item 16.

 

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

Minutes:

The Chairman made the following announcements;

·       The application being considered at Agenda Item 9 will be considered under the Improving Places and Spaces priority and not as under the Economy priority as printed.

·       Due to Ms Powell having to leave the meeting earlier agenda item 7 would be considered before agenda item 5.

·       Mr Hyland wished to raise an issue with the Panel for consideration under agenda item 16 Late Items

 

Apologies of absence had been received from Mr Gareth Evans and Mrs Norma Graves. Mrs Sharp sent apologies for the start of the meeting she joined the meeting during agenda item 8.

 

75.

Approval of the Minutes pdf icon PDF 380 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 21 October 2020.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 21 October 2020 were agreed as a correct record.

 

76.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Minutes:

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that due to the ongoing pandemic and the current lockdown situation, the Panel were not being asked to consider their funding priorities at this point. Mr Hyland proposed that this be deferred until their meeting in March as it is hoped that there will be more clarity regarding how the district is moving forward in response to the impact of the pandemic.

 

There were no other matters arising from the previous minutes.

 

77.

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:

Cllr Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow.

 

There were no declarations of interest made.

 

78.

Recurring Funding Agreements with the Voluntary Sector

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.

 

Decision:

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES: That the performance of ACCA under their joint contract during 2020/21 and the positive way that ACCA has adapted to continue operating during the pandemic 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 2020/21 and the way VAAC has adapted to continue operating during the pandemic be noted.

 

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

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:  That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement for 2020/21 and the positive approach taken during the pandemic be noted.

 

Stonepillow(St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association Ltd): Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and moved to the waiting room whilst the item was discussed.

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES: That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement targets 2020/21, and the positive way that they had adapted to continue service delivery during the pandemic be noted.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Miss Williams to present her report to the Panel. Members were then provided with an update on the performance of the four ‘core funded’ voluntary organisations.

 

Miss Williams explained that all four organisations were within their agreed contract periods and the report was to update the Panel on how they had performed against their priorities over the last year. Miss Williams explained that due to the pandemic they had changed the way in which the organisations reported back to the council and created a questionnaire. The questionnaire allowed the organisations to provide a more detailed insight into how they had responded to the pandemic.

 

Miss Williams provided the Panel with a detailed update on each of the four organisations. For all organisations Miss Williams stressed that the manner in which each had responded to the pandemic was very positive, they had all adapted in their own way to ensure that they could continue to deliver their services and meet demand.

 

Miss Williams responded to member’s questions and comments following her update.

 

 

Recurring Funding Agreements with the Voluntary Sector 

 

Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA): 

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES: That the performance of ACCA under their joint contract during 2020/21 and the positive way that ACCA has adapted to continue operating during the pandemic 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 2020/21 and the way VAAC has adapted to continue operating during the pandemic be noted. 

 

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

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:  That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement for 2020/21 and the positive approach taken during the pandemic be noted. 

 

Stonepillow (St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association Ltd): Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and moved to the waiting room whilst the item was discussed. 

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES: That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement targets 2020/21, and the positive way that they had adapted to continue service delivery during the pandemic be noted. 

 

79.

New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) - 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 Loxwood Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2020 as set out in section 3.5 of the report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected;

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Loxwood Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2020 as set out in section 3.5 of the report be refused.

 

Minutes:

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 Loxwood Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2020 as set out in section 3.5 of the report be approved.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected;

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Loxwood Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2020 as set out in section 3.5 of the report be refused.

 

 

80.

Concessionary Rent Relief Application

For decision.

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 (The Fernhurst Centre Ltd) 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 (The Fernhurst Centre Ltd) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report

 

Minutes:

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

 

That the Cabinet approve the Lessee’s (The Fernhurst Centre Ltd) 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 (The Fernhurst Centre Ltd) request to maintain a rent subsidy as set in section 6 of the report

 

 

81.

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 a six month extension be granted to Fishbourne Tennis Club for the unspent some of £9,800.

 

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

 

2. That an three month extension would be granted to Springboard Media Ltd for the unspent sum of £7,500. 

 

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

 

Minutes:

The Panel considered the report. Mr Cooper drew the Panel’s attention to the value of the applications to be considered at the meeting. He informed the Panel that the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group had declined the grant they were awarded as they would no longer be able to proceed with their planned project. As a result the Panel had a sum of £94,787 available, from a budget allocation of £175,000 for the year.

 

Mr Cooper informed the Panel that since 21 October 2020 total of £2,205 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:Brook Meadow Conservation Group

Priority: Improving Places & Spaces

Purpose: Supporting the reintroduction of Water Voles into the River Ems

Sum Requested: £204.50

Sum Approved: £204.50

Reasons: To support the natural reintroduction/return of water voles, including enhancement work and habitat improvement.

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:Joanne Webb (sole trader)

Priority: Targeted

Purpose: To provide material for a series of transformative art workshops within the district

Sum Requested: £1000

Sum Approved: £1000

Reasons: Positive contribution to residents mental health and wellbeing.

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:Bangerznburgerz

Priority: Economy – Inward Investment

Purpose: Power Upgrade to 30 South Street Chichester

Sum Requested: £1000

Sum Approved: £1000

Reasons: To support a new business to fill a vacant shop and bring jobs into the district

Grant Conditions: Subject to a Funding Agreement

 

Mr Cooper also drew the Panel’s attention to the grant applications which were nearing there cut off point.

 

Mr Irvine informed the Panel that all payments had been processed for the Lurgashall Village Shop and no extension was required.

 

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

 

1. That a six month extension be granted to Fishbourne Tennis Club for the unspent some of £9,800.  

 

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

 

2. That an three month extension would be granted to Springboard Media Ltd for the unspent sum of £7,500.    

 

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

 

82.

Grant Application - Economy 1

For decision.

Decision:

*As announced by the Chairman at the start of the meeting this application was considered under the Improving Spaces and Places priority and not the Economy priority as stated on the agenda.

 

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

 

Applicant: Festival of Chichester

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute to an event that will promote arts and culture within Chichester and the surrounding area.

Sum requested: £1,600

Sum approved: £1,600

Reasons: Promote arts, culture and sport to residents and visitors, whilst supporting the local economy.

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:

*As announced by the Chairman at the start of the meeting this application was considered under the Improving Spaces and Places priority and not the Economy priority as stated on the agenda.

 

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

 

Applicant: Festival of Chichester

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute to an event that will promote arts and culture within Chichester and the surrounding area.

Sum requested: £1,600

Sum approved: £1,600

Reasons: Promote arts, culture and sport to residents and visitors.

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.

 

83.

Grant Application - Economy 2

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Paua Trading Ltd

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To assist in the relocation costs of a successful local business and support the local economy.

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: Paua Trading Ltd

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To assist in the relocation costs of a successful local business and support the local economy.

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.

 

 

84.

Grant Application - Improving 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: Chichester Ship Canal Trust (CSCT)

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute towards specialist repairs to the Canal Banks

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: To preserve and maintain the canal and its natural habitat, for present and future generations.

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: Chichester Ship Canal Trust (CSCT)

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute towards specialist repairs to the Canal Banks

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: To preserve and maintain the canal and its natural habitat, for present and future generations.

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.

 

 

85.

Grant Application - Targeted Projects 1

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (Age UK WSBH)

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute towards a service that will support older and isolated members of the community.

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: Provision of a service which will support older and isolated adults to re-engage with society following the pandemic.

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: Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (Age UK WSBH)

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To contribute towards a service that will support older and isolated members of the community.

Sum requested: £10,000

Sum approved: £10,000

Reasons: Provision of a service which will support older and isolated adults to re-engage with society following the pandemic.

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.

 

 

86.

Grant Application - Targeted Projects 2

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Selsey Community Forum

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To support activities that enhances the understanding, and achieves inclusion for those with hidden disabilities.

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: £5,000

Reasons: Provision of a positive contribution to the mental health and well being of residents.  

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: Selsey Community Forum

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: To support activities that enhances the understanding, and achieves inclusion for those with hidden disabilities.

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: £5,000

Reasons: Provision of a positive contribution to the mental health and well being of residents.  

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.

 

 

87.

Grant Application - Targeted Project 3

For decision.

Decision:

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

 

Applicant: Youth Dream (Selsey) Limited

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: Contribution towards the cost of employing a new youth worker and establishment of a youth club.

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: nil

Reasons: Concerns regarding creation of new paid role given level of current secured funding.

Grant conditions: n/a

 

 

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: Youth Dream (Selsey) Limited

Declarations of interest: n/a

Purpose: Contribution towards the cost of employing a new youth worker and establishment of a youth club.

Sum requested: £5,000

Sum approved: nil

Reasons: Concerns regarding creation of new paid role given level of current secured funding.

Grant conditions: n/a

 

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The Panel considers whether or not to support every application so will always consider not granting an application.

 

 

88.

Covid Recovery Grants

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

Minutes:

The Chair invited Mr Hyland to provide an update to the Panel on the Covid Recovery Grants. Mr Hyland explained that the two funding streams (community and business) had been merged.

 

Since the grants had been established Mr Hyland informed the Panel that the following applications had been received;

 

·         52 Small Community Grants

·         149 Small Business Grants

·         21 Large Community Grants

·         60 Small Business Grants

 

The Panel were informed that there was approximately £100,000 of funds available.

 

Following the update Mr Hyland responded to members’ comments and questions. In response to comments made he explained that the fund would cease at the end of the financial year and any monies left would be returned to the council’s central reserve.

 

89.

Late Items

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

Minutes:

As announced by the Chairman under agenda item 1 Mr Hyland raised the following item with the Panel.

 

Mr Hyland informed the Panel that officers were expecting to receive an extension request for a New Homes Bonus project. The deadline for spending expired between the meeting cycles; therefore Mr Hyland asked the Panel if they would support the principle of the Cabinet Member making the decision outside the meeting. The Panel confirmed that they would be happy for the Chairman (as Cabinet Member) to make the decision, which will be reported to the March 2021 meeting.

 

90.

Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting as 24 March 2021 at 9.30am, the meeting will be held virtually.

Minutes:

The next meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday 24 March 2021at 9.30am the meeting will be held virtually.

 

 

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