Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Apologises for absence were received from Mr Elliott and Mr Evans.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 30 March 2022.

Resolved

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 March 2022 be agreed as a correct record subject to amending the venue to “Virtually” and adding Mr J Bridgen, Community Engagement Manager to Officers present.

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

There were no matters arising.

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 respect of Agenda Item 6 as a member of Chichester City Council and withdrew from the meeting when this item was discussed.

Mr Briscoe declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Agenda Item 5 as the Chairman of 1^st Westbourne Scout Group and withdrew from the meeting when this item was discussed.  Mr Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Revenue and Benefits made the decision on the item following consultation with the Panel.

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Mrs Lishman declared a prejudicial interest in respect of Agenda Item 6 as a member of Chichester City Council and withdrew from the meeting when this item was discussed.

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For decision.

Concessionary Rent Relief Application

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE, CORPORATE SERVICES AND REVENUE AND BENEFITS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

That Cabinet approves the Lessee’s (1^st Westbourne Scout Group) request for a rent subsidy as set out in Section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That Cabinet refuses the Lessee’s (1^st Westbourne Scout Group) request for a rent subsidy as set out in Section 6 of the report.

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

RESOLVED BY THE CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE, CORPORATE SERVICES AND REVENUE AND BENEFITS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL

That Cabinet approves the Lessee’s (1^st Westbourne Scout Group) request for a rent subsidy as set out in Section 6 of the report.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That Cabinet refuses the Lessee’s (1^st Westbourne Scout Group) request for a rent subsidy as set out in Section 6 of the report.

For decisions.

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

That the request by Chichester City Council for an extension to the end of December 2023, in respect of funding awarded in 2019 to enable Chichester and Selsey Sea Cadets to seek professional services to further develop their proposals for building improvements at Pound Farm Road, be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the request by Chichester City Council for an extension to the end of December 2023, in respect of funding awarded in 2019 to enable Chichester and Selsey Sea Cadets to seek professional services to further develop their proposals for building improvements at Pound Farm Road, be refused.

Declaration of Interests: Mrs Apel and Mrs Lishman declared a prejudicial interest in the application and left the room whilst discussed.

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

That the request by Chichester City Council for an extension to the end of December 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards professional fees towards submitting a planning application for the Chichester and Selsey Sea Cadets planned building improvements at Pound Farm Road, be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the request by Chichester City Council for an extension for an extension to the end of December 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards professional fees towards submitting a planning application for the Chichester and Selsey Sea Cadets planned building improvements at Pound Farm Road, be refused.

For decision.

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

That the request by Southbourne Parish Council for an extension to the end of June 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards the redevelopment of the unused allotment site off Flanders Close which the Parish Council plans to be made into a community allotment/garden for residents, be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the request by Southbourne Parish Council for an extension to the end of June 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards the redevelopment of the unused allotment site off Flanders Close which the Parish Council plans to be made into a community allotment/garden for residents, be refused.

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

That the request by Southbourne Parish Council for an extension to the end of June 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards the redevelopment of the unused allotment site off Flanders Close which the Parish Council plans for this to be made into a community allotment/garden for residents, be approved.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

That the request by Southbourne Parish Council for an extension to the end of June 2023, in respect of funding provided in 2019 towards the redevelopment of the unused allotment site off Flanders Close which the Parish Council plans for this to be made into a community allotment/garden for residents, be refused.

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 Ovation Music for the unspent sum of £10,000 towards a three day event to showcase and support local young people.

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

2. That a 12 month extension be granted to Potters – Fisherman’s Huts Development for the unspent sum of £7,720. 

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

Mr Cooper provided details of a revised formula for assessing applications with the aim of seeing each individual organisation on an even playing field. With regards to the level of finances held by each organisation, some amounts were quite significant, which could be misleading.  Therefore, in future during the application process officers would look at the assets verses the reserves held by the organisations.

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 Ovation Music for the unspent sum of £10,000.

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

2. That a 12 month extension be granted to Potters – Fisherman’s Huts Development for the unspent sum of £7,720. 

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

At the end of the meeting Mr Cooper corrected the remaining budget set out at paragraph 3.3, which was amended from “£102,375” to “£105,375”.

For decision.

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

Applicant: Brent Lodge Bird & Wildlife Trust

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Funding towards Isolation units as part of the new Admissions Building

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: Will provide additional bio-security measures in place in light of the ongoing bird flu outbreak

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Brent Lodge Bird & Wildlife Trust

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Funding towards Isolation units as part of the new Admissions Building

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: Will provide additional bio-security measures in place in light of the ongoing bird flu outbreak

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Vincent Wildlife Trust

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Restoration of Greater Horseshoe Bat Roost

Sum Requested: £12,000

Sum Approved: £12,000

Reasons: Phase 1 of the project, for the repair of the walls and doorways, will improve the private asset for public safety and the benefit of roosting bats

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Vincent Wildlife Trust

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Restoration of Greater Horseshoe Bat Roost

Sum Requested: £12,000

Sum Approved: £12,000

Reasons: Phase 1 of the project, for the repair of the walls and doorways, will improve the private asset for public safety and the benefit of roosting bats

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.

Final paragraph under Project Description: “live steam” replaced by “live stream”

For decision.

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

Applicant: Crablands Bowling and Tennis Club

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Conversion of grass court to hard court

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: The project will enable tennis to be played all year round, reduce maintenance costs and volunteer 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.

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

Applicant: Crablands Bowling and Tennis Club

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Conversion of grass court to hard court

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: The project will enable tennis to be played all year round, reduce maintenance costs and volunteer 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.

For decision.

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

Applicant: Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club.

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Design phase of Priory Park White Pavilion

Sum Requested: £9,125

Sum Approved: £9,125

Reasons: The project will enable Priory Park to become a hub of women’s cricket in West Sussex

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club.

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Design phase of Priory Park White Pavilion

Sum Requested: £9,125

Sum Approved: £9,125

Reasons: The project will enable Priory Park to become a hub of women’s cricket in West Sussex

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Singleton and Charlton Parish Council

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Purchase and installation of play equipment

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: The project will increase participation by providing a new offering for older children not currently catered for

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Singleton and Charlton Parish Council

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Purchase and installation of play equipment

Sum Requested: £15,000

Sum Approved: £15,000

Reasons: The project will increase participation by providing a new offering for older children not currently catered for

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Donnington PCC

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Installation of solar panels and batteries on the Community Hall

Sum Requested: £7,500

Sum Approved: £7,500

Reasons: The project will reduce the hall’s carbon footprint and provide onward reduction in hire charge for local groups

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 COMMUNITIES SERVICES AND CULTURE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GRANTS AND CONCESSIONS PANEL:

Applicant: Donnington PCC

Declarations of Interest: None

Purpose: Installation of solar panels and batteries on the Community Hall

Sum Requested: £7,500

Sum Approved: £7,500

Reasons: The project will reduce the hall’s carbon footprint and provide onward reduction in hire charge for local groups

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.

To note the date of the next meeting as Thursday 6 October 2022 on Zoom.

The next meeting will be held virtually on Thursday 6 October 2022 at 9.30am.

1.     Parish Council Precepts

A discussion took place concerning some parish councils applying for grants not exploring an increase their Parish precept towards the cost of their projects.  It was noted that with the ending of the New Homes Bonus separate funding for parish councils the Council may  receive more applications for grant funding from this pot, which will put more pressure on the budget available each year.  Funding Advisers will ensure parish councils interested in applying are given appropriate advice.

Officers undertook to add an item to the next All Parishes meeting agenda so that officers can provide an update on Grants and Concessions Panel and other sources of funding available to Pariah Councils and Community Groups. 

2.     Fast Track Award

Miss Williams provided details of a Fast Track award not reported at the previous meeting: