Chichester District Council
Agenda, decisions and minutes

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 2, East Pallant House. View directions

Contact: Lisa Higenbottam  Email:  lhigenbottam@chichester.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

66.

Apologies for Absence

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

Minutes:

No apologies for absence had been received.

 

67.

Approval of the Minutes pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Grants and Concessions Panel meeting held on 18 October 2016.

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the Panel meeting held on Tuesday 18 October 2016 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

 

68.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Any matters arising as a result of the previous minutes.

Minutes:

There were no matters arising.

 

 

69.

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 J W E Elliott declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item five due to a business association with the applicant and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 10 as a volunteer for City Angels and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

Mr Hyland declared a prejudicial interest in relation to agenda item 12 as a member of his family holds a senior role at St Wilfrid’s Hospice and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 16 as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

 

 

 

70.

Discretionary Rate Relief Application

For decision.

Decision:

Selsey Community Nursery:

 

Mr J W E Elliott declared a disclosable pecuniary interest due to a business association with the applicant and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

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

 

That the Selsey Community Nursery request for discretionary rate relief be approved for the financial year 2016/17.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Selsey Community Nursery request for discretionary rate relief be refused for the financial year 2016/17.

 

Minutes:

Selsey Community Nursery:

 

Mr J W E Elliott declared a disclosable pecuniary interest due to a business association with the applicant and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

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

 

That the Selsey Community Nursery request for discretionary rate relief be approved for the financial year 2016/17.

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the Selsey Community Nursery request for discretionary rate relief be refused for the financial year 2016/17.

 

 

71.

Small Business Rent Support Scheme

To note an application made to the Small Business Rent Support Scheme.

Decision:

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

 

That the small business rent support scheme grant awarded to Signs in Sussex be noted.

Minutes:

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

 

That the small business rent support scheme grant awarded to Signs in Sussex be noted.

 

72.

Enabling Grant Scheme

A verbal update.

Minutes:

Mrs Pellett explained that the Economic Development Service have received an allocation of £71,428 from the West Sussex Pooled business rates Fund to support local businesses in the district. As a result the Economic Development Service launched the Enabling Grant Scheme on 1 December 2016 and 32 applications have been received totalling a £49,566.98 funding commitment. To date four applications have been approved; two applications relate to capital projects and two relate to websites securing 24 existing jobs with a potential creation of 17 jobs as a result of completing these projects.

 

Mrs Pellett agreed to provide a breakdown of the applicants, projects and the amount requested/allocated. A detailed report will be submitted to the March Panel.

 

73.

Request for New Homes Bonus Application Variation - Overview Report

This reports details the two requests received for variation to New Homes Bonus funding.

 

Minutes:

Members discussed the two requests for New Homes Bonus variation separately.

 

73a

Request for New Homes Bonus Variation 1

For decision.

Decision:

Selsey Town Council, New Homes Bonus

 

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Selsey Town Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 be approved.              

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Selsey Town Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 be rejected. 

 

Minutes:

Selsey Town Council, New Homes Bonus

 

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Selsey Town Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 be approved.              

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to Selsey Town Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2016 be rejected.

 

 

73b

Request for New Homes Bonus Variation 2

For decision.

Decision:

West Dean Parish Council, New Homes Bonus

 

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to West Dean Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 be approved.               

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to West Dean Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 be rejected.  

 

 

Minutes:

West Dean Parish Council, New Homes Bonus

 

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

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to West Dean Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 be approved.              

 

Alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the proposed variation to funding awarded to West Dean Parish Council from the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2015 be rejected. 

 

 

 

74.

Grants and Concessions Financial Summary

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

 

Minutes:

The Panel considered the report. Mr Cooper drew attention to the value of the applications to be considered at the meeting and reminded the Panel that a sum of £85,753 remained.

 

The Panel noted the following fast track delegated grant applications decided since the last meeting:

 

 

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

 

Applicant: Chichester Cloth Nappy Library, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) West Sussex Coastal Branch

Priority: Environment

Purpose: Setting up two long term real nappy loan kits to be made available to low income families

Sum Requested: £473

Sum Approved: £473

Reasons: An environmentally friendly initiative

Grant Conditions: N/A

 

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

 

Applicant: Duncton Hall and Recreation Ground

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: New floor for Duncton Village Hall

Sum Requested: £1,000

Sum Approved: £1,000

Reasons: Supporting improvements to a well-used community facility

Grant Conditions: N/A

 

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

 

Applicant: Pregnancy Options Centre

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Running costs including equipment to support service delivery

Sum Requested: £900

Sum Approved: £900

Reasons: Provision of an essential service

Grant Conditions: N/A

 

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

 

Applicant: Transition Chichester

Priority: Economy

Purpose: Funding to produce a new ‘Green Directory’ of local producers, growers, traders and service providers based in Chichester areas (PO18, PO19 and PO20)

Sum Requested: £900

Sum Approved: £0

Reasons: Information that will be provided by the directory is already available elsewhere (via searches on the internet and farmers’ markets)

Grant Conditions: N/A

 

 

75.

Grant Application - Improving Living Places and Spaces 1

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: City Angels

Declarations of Interest:Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a volunteer for City Angels and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Mobile vehicle costs, consumables/refreshments, staff and volunteer training and equipment

Sum Requested: £5,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The organisation has a positive impact on the night time safety in the city centre but has submitted consecutive requests to the same level without firm new project elements

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: City Angels

Declarations of Interest:Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a volunteer for City Angels and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Mobile vehicle costs, consumables/refreshments, staff and volunteer training and equipment

Sum Requested: £5,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The organisation has a positive impact on the night time safety in the city centre but has submitted consecutive requests to the same level without firm new project elements

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

76.

Grant Application - Improving Living Places and Spaces 2

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: Cocking Village Hall Management Committee

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Extension to the hall for safe and secure storage of tables, chairs and equipment

Sum Requested: £2,000

Sum Approved: £2,000

Reasons: The additional space will allow larger and more varied group activities to take place at the hall

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: Cocking Village Hall Management Committee

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Extension to the hall for safe and secure storage of tables, chairs and equipment

Sum Requested: £2,000

Sum Approved: £2,000

Reasons: The additional space will allow larger and more varied group activities to take place at the hall

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

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77.

Grant Application - Improving Living Places and Spaces 3

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: St Wilfrid’s Hospice (South Coast)

Declarations of Interest:Mr Hyland declared a prejudicial interest as a member of his family holds an honorary role at St Wilfrid’s Hospice and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Capital towards new hospice building

Sum Requested: £50,000

Sum Approved: £25,000

Reasons: The Panel agreed that although the request is proportionately large compared to the normal grant threshold the reasoning behind the application is exceptional and the funds will assist to support expansion of a much needed provision for the district (please note the grant decision was made in line with the Cabinet Member for Community Services delegated authority)

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE CABINET:

 

That Cabinet consider provision of an additional £25,000 funding towards this application.

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: St Wilfrid’s Hospice (South Coast)

Declarations of Interest:Mr Hyland declared a prejudicial interest as a member of his family holds an honorary role at St Wilfrid’s Hospice and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Capital towards new hospice building

Sum Requested: £50,000

Sum Approved: £25,000

Reasons: The Panel agreed that although the request is proportionately large compared to the normal grant threshold the reasoning behind the application is exceptional and the funds will assist to support expansion of a much needed provision for the district (please note the grant decision was made in line with the Cabinet Member for Community Services delegated authority)

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE CABINET:

 

That Cabinet consider provision of an additional £25,000 funding towards this application.

 

78.

Grant Application - Improving Living Places and Spaces 4

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: Tillington Parish Council

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Extension to village hall

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: The additional space willincrease the number of activities that can be offered to the community

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: Tillington Parish Council

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Improving Living Places and Spaces

Purpose: Extension to village hall

Sum Requested: £10,000

Sum Approved: £10,000

Reasons: The additional space willincrease the number of activities that can be offered to the community

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

79.

Grant Application - Targeted Projects 1

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: Lifecentre

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Therapeutic counselling for survivors of rape and sexual abuse

Sum Requested: £2,500

Sum Approved: £2,500

Reasons: The servicesupports vulnerable members of the community including those in Think Family Neighbourhoods

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: Lifecentre

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Therapeutic counselling for survivors of rape and sexual abuse

Sum Requested: £2,500

Sum Approved: £2,500

Reasons: The servicesupports vulnerable members of the community including those in Think Family Neighbourhoods

Grant Conditions: N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

80.

Grant Application - Targeted Projects 2

For decision.

Decision:

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

Applicant: Relate North and South West Sussex

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Realteen/Family counselling for young people and families, prioritising Think Family Neighbourhoods

Sum Requested: £3,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The servicesupports vulnerable members of the community including those in Think Family Neighbourhoods

Grant Conditions: Priority for funding should be given to the Chichester District Think Family Neighbourhoods

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

 

Minutes:

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

Applicant: Relate North and South West Sussex

Declarations of Interest: N/A

Priority: Targeted Projects

Purpose: Realteen/Family counselling for young people and families, prioritising Think Family Neighbourhoods

Sum Requested: £3,000

Sum Approved: £3,000

Reasons: The servicesupports vulnerable members of the community including those in Think Family Neighbourhoods

Grant Conditions: Priority for funding should be given to the Chichester District Think Family Neighbourhoods

Alternative options considered and rejected: The Panel consider whether or not to support every application so will always consider granting an application to the full amount requested or refusing an application

 

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81.

Recurring funding agreements with voluntary organisations

Separate to the grants pot, the Panel monitors the performance of four key voluntary sector organisations. These Agreements are funded from base budget and delegated to the Director of Community Services. The Panel is asked to note the attached summary reports and to discuss the funding for 2017/18.

Decision:

Citizens Advice Bureau:

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of the Citizens Advice Arun and Chichester under their joint Funding Agreement during 2016/17 be noted

·       That funding for 2017/18 be released in line with the Countywide Contract

 

Stonepillow:

 

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

·       That funding be approved for three years as set out in section 5.4 of the report subject to annual confirmation of the budget

 

Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester:

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

·       That funding be approved for one year as set out in section 5.2 of the report (subject to the amended figure provided by officers at the meeting)

·       That early consideration be given to funding for Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester for the year 2018/19

 

Shopmobility (Chichester):

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

  • That the funding agreement for 2017/18 be renewed

·       That two additional payments of £2,500 in 2016/17 and 2017/18 be approved towards the purchase of a replacement vehicle

Minutes:

Miss Williams explained that separate to the grants pot, the Panel is asked to monitor the performance of four key voluntary sector organisations. These Agreements are funded from base budget and delegated to the Director of Community Services. The Panel discussed detailed officer reports on each of the four organisations and made the following recommendations:

 

Citizens Advice Bureau:

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of the Citizens Advice Arun and Chichester under their joint Funding Agreement during 2016/17 be noted

  • That funding for 2017/18 be released in line with the Countywide Contract

 

Stonepillow:

 

Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this application was discussed.

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

  • That funding be approved for three years as set out in section 5.4 of the report subject to annual confirmation of the budget

 

 

 

 

Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester:

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

  • That funding be approved for one year as set out in section 5.2 of the report (subject to the amended figure provided by officers at the meeting)
  • That early consideration be given to funding for Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester for the year 2018/19

 

Shopmobility (Chichester):

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE HEAD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:

 

·       That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging the Funding Agreement for 2016/17 be noted

  • That the funding agreement for 2017/18 be renewed
  • That two additional payments of £2,500 in 2016/17 and 2017/18 be approved towards the purchase of a replacement vehicle

 

82.

Next Meeting

To note the date of the next meeting as Thursday 16 March at 9.30am.

Minutes:

The Panel noted the date of the next meeting as Thursday 16 March at 9.30am.

 

 

 

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