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 2019/20 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 2019/20 be noted.
Shopmobility (Chichester) – a service provided by Community First Wessex (CF):
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
1. That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement due to end in March 2020 be noted.
2. That a new Funding Agreement with a year’s duration be negotiated for 2020/21.
3. That consideration is given to an uplift of grant to £18,000
Stonepillow (St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association Ltd):
Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this item was discussed.
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
1. That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement due to end March 2020 be noted.
2. That funding to support staffing of the Day Centre service be agreed for a further 3 year period and an appropriate agreement be negotiated.
3. That the value be increased in line with inflation £31,000
Minutes:
Miss Williams presented the report to the Panel.
She explained that separate to the grants pot, the Panel is asked to monitor performance of four key voluntary sector organisations. These Agreements are funded from base budget and decisions delegated to the Director of Housing and Communities. The Panel discussed the detailed reports on each of the organisations.
Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):
Following consultation with the GCP in January 2019, Cabinet had recommended that funding be made available for up to three years as part of a countywide contract, this is now in place. ACCA offer a broad range of advice services in the District and there remains a clear demand for the services offered particularly with regards to advice around benefits, housing, debt and universal credit. The standard of work undertaken by ACCA was of a high standard; as a point of note Miss Williams informed the GCP that the ACCA scored at the highest standard in their recent quality audit.
In recognition of the high level of service provided by the ACCA Mr Briscoe asked that a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the GCP.
Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice (ACCA):
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC):
Miss Williams informed the Panel that the VAAC are funded by CDC to deliver a range of support and information services to local community and voluntary organisations. Review of the funding has identified strong performance by the VAAC in line with the monitoring agreement negotiated this year, with a steady number of new groups setting up over the last year.
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
Shopmobility (Chichester) – a service provided by Community First Wessex (CF):
Miss Williams explained to the Panel that Shopmobility was a service which offered the affordable short and long term hire of scooters and manual wheelchairs to anyone living or visiting Chichester with a temporary or permanent mobility problem. There is a high level of attrition local service clients (with a steady visitor use).
Miss Williams informed the Panel that previous funding agreements had challenged the provider to adapt the business model within the same financial envelope to test if there were more effective ways for the service to be provided. No realistic alternative models were identified.
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
1. That the performance of Shopmobility (Chichester) in discharging their Funding Agreement due to end in March 2020 be noted.
2. That a new Funding Agreement with a year’s duration be negotiated for 2020/21.
3. That consideration is given to an uplift of grant to £18,000
Stonepillow (St Richard of Chichester Christian Care Association Ltd):
Mrs Apel declared a personal interest as a trustee of Stonepillow and withdrew from the room when this item was discussed.
Miss Williams informed the Panel that Stonepillow provide a wide range of services for clients who are experiencing homelessness. Funding from this Agreement supports the Day Service Hub in Chichester, it is the first point of contact for people looking to access support.
One of the most significant challenges faced by the charity during the period being monitored was a proposed reduction of funds provided by WSCC, whilst the scale of the reduction was moderated for Stonepillow the risk of further funding cuts in the future is a risk that is being taken into account by the Board.
RECOMMENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES:
1. That the performance of Stonepillow in discharging the Funding Agreement due to end March 2020 be noted.
2. That funding to support staffing of the Day Centre service be agreed for a further 3 year period and an appropriate agreement be negotiated.
3. That the value be increased in line with inflation £31,000