Issue - meetings

Report number DCS16 by the Director of Community Services.

(attached)

DECISION:

(1)    To approve the reviewed Grants Criteria as appended to report DCS16, subject to the title being changed to “Social Grants Criteria”;

(2)    The Director of Community Services to investigate the appropriateness of the requirement for applicants to raise at least 10% of matched funding;

(3)    That the maximum grant awarded to any single organisation be cash limited to £1,000;

(4)    To delegated the award of discretionary grants to the appropriate Cabinet Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Director of Community Services.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)       Report number DCS16 explaining how discretionary grants have been administered in the past and the reasons behind the review of this process;

(2)       The Council’s prioritisation process has resulted in a number of service areas where realignment of budgets could be made in favour of the new priorities.  As a consequence, the budget available for the award of discretionary grants has been adjusted;

(3)       To ensure that grants are allocated on an equitable basis, the new guidance has been drawn up to help local organisations to make successful applications for financial support;

(4)       The new critieria will ensure that any financial support given contributes to the overall objectives and priorities of the Council;

(5)       A cash limit of £1,000 will enable the Council to support a larger number of organisations.  It is intended not to accept applications for less than £100;

(6)       To specify “Social Grants Criteria” distinguishes the scheme from the Business Grants award.