Agenda item

The Board were circulated with a budgetary statement which detailed the remaining Main Programme budget, the Rural Fund budget and the Capital and Revenue budget taking into account the applications before the Board.  The budgetary statement included grants under £5,000 and also the Programme Management cost.

The budget was discussed and what funds could be moved between interventions and capital and revenue.  Officers were asked that where possible and where funding was available, that applications that could fall under Rural applications should be allocated there.

The Board were informed that at the December meeting what funding remaining would be looked at in detail and a “reserve” list of applications would be drawn up for those who had been allocated funding but for unforeseen reasons they could not utilise the funding before 31 March 2025.  This would enable the maximum expenditure to be used.

Comments were again made about those organisations that had received large amounts of money being invited back to the Board to give a presentation on how they had spent the money.  The Head of Economic Development and Inward Investment indicated that this was being arranged.

Discussion followed with specific applications being highlighted who had still to receive their funding from the Board.  The Assistant Director of Planning indicated that these would be discussed outside the meeting.

Further discussion followed on those organisations that needed to match funding for organisations such as Sports England and the Football Association and the long timeframes that could be involved.

Each application was then discussed and a recommendation made.

SKMP30 – South Kesteven District Council Markets Enhancement

Funding requested:  £52,500

The funding request was for a market enhancement project for the markets in Bourne, Grantham and Stamford. A range of capital investments which supports the development and delivery of the markets above and beyond what is achievable within the current operating budget.  The project would provide equipment like stall covers, new marketing, wayfinding and branding.  Members discussed the application with comments being raised about the feasibility study which was undertaken, Bourne Town Council had given a comprehensive response but had heard nothing more. The survey that had been undertaken in all three towns.  Wayfinding and branding were also discussed in detail.  The Assistant Director of Planning indicated that the comments made would be passed on to the Markets Team.  Members were supportive of the project but it was noted that the funding needed to be use fairly across all three towns not just in Grantham.  The funding application was proposed, seconded and ENDORSED.

SKMP501 – Stamford Youth Forum

Funding requested: £51,326

Art Pop-up on behalf of Stamford Youth Forum were proposing to perform a community needs analysis, piolet engagement and feasibility study: pathway to supporting youth and families in South Kesteven.  Members discussed the funding application and also viewed the video submitted.   The UKSPF Officer stated that they had asked for a more tightly defined project which established an evidence base which could sustain the project going forward and also an exit strategy.  Members expressed fundamental concerns about the project and its outcomes.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the project for funding was REJECTED.

SKMP502 – Glorious Chocolate

Funding requested: £33,000-£35,000

The funding was to support and facilitate operations and production, enabling the investment in new equipment, new product development and the employment of more people.  Members were not minded to support the application and following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and agreed to REJECT the funding application.

SKMP503 – South Kesteven District Council – Deepings Community Centre

Funding requested: £200,000

South Kesteven District Council as the freehold owner of the building, have external repair liability for the building which is currently leased to the Deepings Community Centre Trust.  Following a survey, the roof of the centre is at the end of its anticipated life.  Works are proposed to repair the leaking roof covering across the building and will also include the removal/reinstatement of the solar PV panels, roof light replacement, drainage and general building work costs.  Members expressed concern that the building, which was used a great deal by the residents of Deepings, had not been maintained.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding requested, with comments being made that the maintenance of the building be looked at in the longer term.

SKMP39 – South Kesteven District Council – Table Tennis

Funding requested: £10,500

The funding project had been rejected at the last meeting of the Board; however, a new request had been submitted for the installation of four outdoor table tennis tables in locations at Bourne, Stamford, Deeping St James and Grantham with a lower funding request.  A short discussion followed with Members more supportive of the lower funding requested.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding requested.