Agenda item

The Chairman informed the Board that the Decarbonisation schemes would be dealt with before the Parish and Community Assets Interventions.

 

Each Group who had submitted an initial Expression of Interest was assessed on how the project met the criteria of the funding, how the project responded to a local need, the benefits for the community and the feasibility of the project being completed within the required timeframe.   Groups who met the criteria were sent an application plus a detailed criteria document which they were advised to read carefully before completing the application form to ensure their request for funding had the best chance of success.  The deadline for submission was 1 August 2025 for applications to be submitted together with all required supporting documentation, quotes, governing documents, bank details, annual accounts etc.

 

It was noted that as the minimum grant was £5,000, those who had bids below this figure were directed towards the SK Community Fund where a project was eligible under that scheme.

 

The Assistant Director of Finance gave a brief overview of the finance implications for each of the interventions in respect of the applications before the Board.  Members had been circulated with a sheet indicating the funding allocation for each of the two interventions under discussion.

 

It was proposed that the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) was contacted to see if agreement to re allocate funding between interventions would be permitted to enable all funds to be allocated.

 

Discussion on the spread of the funding allocation followed and it was stated that there was a good spread across the district. The Community Engagement Manager was thanked for her work in overseeing the application process in respect of the interventions under discussion.

 

SK-PCD-3053 – Energy Management – Long Bennington Village Hall

Funding requested: £25,000

 

The Funding request was for the installation of solar PV panelling plus associated battery storage.  Members noted that the village hall was well used, run by volunteers and that there was match funding in place.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCD-3058 – Installing Solar Panels at the Ascension Community Hall

Funding requested: £5,360

 

The project was for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Community Hall as well as an inverter and associated cabling and controls.  Members were supportive of the project and it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCD-3067 – Bright Hall Initiative – Heydour Village Hall

Funding requested: £18,971.53

 

The funding request was for a project to improve the energy efficiency of the village hall to move towards net zero. The Board acknowledged the amount of use the facilities had and on being put to the vote the funding request was ENDORSED.

 

SK-PCD-3062 – Dyke Village Hall Low Carbon Energy System

Funding requested: £15,000

 

The Chairman and Councillor Helen Crawford spoke in support of the project to replace the aging gas blown-air heating system together with PV panels on the roof and then left the meeting.

 

(10:41 Cllr Philip Knowles and Cllr Helen Crawford left the meeting)

 

Councillor Virginia Moran Vice-Chairman in the Chair

 

The Board discussed the application with some Members expressing concern in relation to whether the external funding would be granted to enable the project to progress.  On being put to the vote it was proposed, seconded and agreed for the funding request to be ENDORSED subject to the £9,000 external funding being granted.

 

(10:48 Cllr Philip Knowles and Cllr Helen Crawford returned to the meeting)

 

Councillor Philip Knowles back in the Chair

 

SK-PCD-3064 – Installing of an Energy Saving Heating System at St Guthlac’s Church

Funding requested: £5,098

 

The funding request was for a project to replace the outdated gas boiler heating system with an energy efficient infrared heating system.  Also the replacement of lighting with LED lighting.  Some Members expressed concern about the previous funding that had been allocated under the UKSPF; however, it was stated that the current funding application was under a completely different intervention and met the criteria.  On being put to the vote the funding request was ENDORSED.

 

SK-PCD-3069 – Walton Academy

Funding requested: £43,871

 

The funding request was for the installation of solar PV panels on the roof of Walton Academy.  The Ward Councillor for the area, Councillor Nikki Manterfield spoke in support of the application which had been initiated by the pupils at the school and then left during consideration of the item.

 

(10:55 Councillor Manterfield left the meeting)

 

The Board discussed the item before them with one Member making reference to the issue of academy schools which previously she had been informed did not qualify.  Further discussion followed and on being put to the vote it was proposed to REJECT the application for funding.

 

(11:05 Councillor Manterfield returned to the meeting)

 

SK-PCD-3068 – Renewable Energy Installation – Caythorpe Playing Field Pavilion

Funding requested: £37,916.50

 

The project was for the provision of Photo Voltaic Panels to the roof with battery storage.  Members of the Board were supportive of the project and the community benefit.  On being put to the vote it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCD-3060 – Barrowby Green Canopy

Funding requested: £6,785.20

 

The funding requested was to fund a three-part initiative to increase tree cover and enhance community green spaces in Barrowby Village.   It was stated that not all information requested had been submitted and also the application did not fully fit the criteria.  On being put to the vote the application for funding was REJECTED.

 

SK-PCA-3048 – Allington Playpark Project

Funding requested: £7,000

 

The funding request was to improve the play park and support the repair of existing equipment and the cost of wet pour surface below the swings and climbing frame.  Members were supportive of the projected and noted that there was match funding in place. It was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

(11:11 Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing left the meeting)

 

SK-PCA-3024 – Opening Up Billingborough

Funding requested: £5,000

 

It was noted that this funding request, for the refurbishment and accessibility upgrade of the main stage located within Billingborough Parish Hall met the criteria for application to the SK Community Fund and therefore with Board Members agreement it was proposed to transfer the application across to the SK Community Fund.  Members were in agreement to move the application across and on being put to the vote this was agreed.

 

Action:  Funding request to be transferred to the SK Community Fund.

SK-PCA-3002-Improvements to Parish Land Carlby

Funding requested: £8,000

 

The request for funding was for a project with multiple elements which included the definition of Parish land from the footpath and roadside with knee high ascot fencing and the purchase of native trees together with seating. Also, the erection of safety fencing and installation of non-slip matting together with repairs to football pitch and goalmouth and other associated repairs.  Members of the Board were supportive of the project and it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3046 – Denton Play Area

Funding requested: £24,000

 

A Board Member spoke in support of the funding request to replace play equipment for use by the children of the village.  Concern was expressed by some Members of the Board due to the number of beneficiaries who lived in the village and whether the funding was value for money. Further discussion followed and it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding requested.

 

SK-PCA-3017- Community Arts Hub

Funding requested: £30,029

 

The Community Engagement Manager informed the Board of the background to the funding request and the work being done to the building which was subject to a long-term rental agreement in the grounds of Grantham House by Grantham Arts to provide services to provide a creative centre for community use and the current request before the Board which was for the purchase of a glass Kiln. The Board discussed the request and the work that had been done by the National Trust at Grantham House. After further discussion it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3014 – Jubilee Mount Access

Funding requested: £5,000

 

The project before the Board was one that fitted the criteria for the SK Community Fund and with the Boards agreement it was proposed that this application for funding be transferred to the SK Community Fund.  Members were in agreement to move the application across and on being put to the vote this was agreed.

 

Action:  Funding request to be transferred to the SK Community Fund.

 

SK-PCA-3032 – Refurbishment of The Shack

Funding requested: £17,671.54

 

The funding request was for the refurbishment of the Shack to enable increased use by the Community. The project will replace permanent shutters with double glazed windows, install energy-efficient heating and lighting and provide accessible toilets.  Concern was expressed by some Members of the Board about the project and these concerns had been echoed by the Ward Member for the area before they had left the meeting.  It was confirmed that the application had met the criteria and the Board were reassured that only 75% of the funding would be granted up front with the remaining 25% not being released until the project was completed and all paperwork had been submitted.  Although some Members still had reservations about the project it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3021 – New Kitchen for Centre use and working area for food Pantry – Butterfield Centre

Funding requested: £10,460

 

One of the Board Members gave a brief background to the history of the centre and spoke in support of the project to relocate and create new kitchen facilities within a redundant bathroom  and create a new food parcel packing area in the old kitchen space. The centre was currently used as  Foodbank and volunteers also delivered a meals on wheels service from the centre 7 days a week.

 

(11:49 Councillor Philip Knowles and Councillor Helen Crawford left the meeting)

 

The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Virginia Moran in the Chair

 

Members discussed the request for funding acknowledging the work carried out by the volunteers.  On being put to the vote, the request for funding was ENDORSED.

 

(11:52  Councillor Philip Knowles and Councillor Helen Crawford returned to the meeting)

 

SK-PCA-3029 – Children’s Counselling Area

Funding requested: £5,000

 

The request for funding was for a project to construct an enclosed room within the Wellbeing Centre in Grantham which offers a meeting space for local people who are suffering the impact of grief. Some of the service users are children and young people and a quiet and private space for their counselling sessions were required within an open plan office.  The Board discussed the project with comments being made in respect of access to the building. A Board Member highlighted their much needed work done with Veterans and children of Veterans.  On being put to the vote it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request on condition that evidence be provided relating to any need for listed building permission to install the proposed structure.

 

Councillor Philip Knowles back in the Chair

 

SK-PCA-3052 – Our Community Matters – Jubilee Church Life Centre

Funding requested: £9,764

 

The project was for funding to replace three old air source heat pump units with new ones; the existing pumps had been second-hand when they had been originally installed.  It was noted that the facility was used as a community space for six days of the week. On being put to the vote the funding request was ENDORSED.

 

SK-PCA-3035 – Entertainment and Sound System – Woolsthorpe by Belvoir Social Club and Village Hall

Funding requested: £7,550.79

 

The project was for the Social Club to purchase suitable entertainment equipment such as speakers, microphones, lights and mixing desks to enable bigger events to use the facilities. The facilities are used regularly by the community of Woolsthorpe by Belvoir and the surrounding villages.  The Board discussed the application with some concern expressed about the need for such equipment when it could be hired, however it was stated that hiring the equipment would not be value for money.  After further discussion it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3022 – New Kitchen – Fulbeck Sports and Social Club

Funding requested: £12,800

 

The funding application was for a proposal for a new kitchen to be installed in the Sports and Social Club.  The current kitchen was over 30 years old and had been second hand when installed. The Sports and Social Club was used by the Community including football and cricket teams and the Over 60’s club.  The Board discussed the application noting that there was supported funding being offered and that the club was run by volunteers. It was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3037 – Air Conditioning - Swinstead Village Hall

Funding requested: £7,998.85

 

The project was the next phase of the broader refurbishment and upgrade of the Village Hall to install hot and cold air conditioning to the large hall and the bar area. After a brief discussion it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

SK-PCA-3039 – Refurbishment of Changing Room Block – Bourne Town Council

Funding Requested: £34,900

 

The Chairman of the Board, Councillor Philip Knowles and Councillor Helen Crawford spoke in support of the application for funding which was for the refurbishment of the changing room block at Recreation Road. The block had recently been transferred from South Kesteven District Council to the Town Council and had little or no maintenance carried out. The whole community would benefit from the refurbishment.

 

(12:20 Councillor Philip Knowles and Councillor Helen Crawford left the meeting)

 

Councillor Virginia Moran in the Chair

 

The Board discussed the application and it was proposed, seconded and agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

(12:23 Councillor Knowles and Councillor Crawford returned to the meeting)

 

Councillor Philip Knowles in the Chair

 

SK-PCA-3010 – Inclusive Roundabout – Baston Village Hall Grounds

Funding requested: £15,775.93

 

The project was to introduce an inclusive roundabout to the children’s play area within the grounds of Baston Village Hall.  This was to enable children who used a wheelchair or have other disabilities and for parents with very young children in pushchairs to use the play equipment.  Members of the Board were supportive of the proposal.   Application PROVISIONALLY ENDORSED subject to funds available.

 

SK-PCA-3019 – Goalmouth Restoration – Langtoft Parish Council

Funding requested: £13,565.34

 

The funding request was for a project to repair the goalmouth areas at two locations, Black Bull Green and East End Park.  The proposal was to excavate the goalmouths area and install impact play carpet over the prepared stone base.  The goals were used by younger people and the goals were not full sized.  Members were supportive of the project and were minded to support the funding requested.  Application PROVISIONALLY ENDORSED subject to funds available.

 

SK-PCA-3018 – The Spinney

Funding requested: £11,069.80

 

The project was for the completing of the final stage of a project to install an embankment cantilever swing to replace the rope swing and improve access for pedestrians.  It was noted that the organisation had received previous funding through the UKSPF fund and minimum match funding was offered.  As remaining funds were limited it was proposed to PROVISIONALLY ENDORSED subject to funds being available.

 

SK-PCA-3034 – Jubilee Park Deepings

Funding requested: £11,019

 

It was noted that the project had previously been funded and the current request was to cover costs of design work, preparation of tender documents and therefore it was felt that the project was not eligible. Members of the Board were in agreement with the assessment and on being put to the vote the application for funding was REJECTED.

 

SK-PCA-3049 – Pointon and Sempringham Playground

Funding requested: 23,000

 

The project was to enhance the local play area.  It was noted that previous UKSPF funding had been allocated for this play area and minimum match funding was being offered.  As there was only a finite amount of funding available the funding application was REJECTED.

 

As the Board had determined all the applications under the Parish and Community Assets and Decarbonisation Interventions, the Assistant Director of Finance and Deputy S151 Officer stated that as some interventions had been oversubscribed and some undersubscribed, he would contact the GLCCA to see if there was any movement between interventions having taken note of those where the Board would support an application subject to funding being available.

 

SK-PS-06 – Inspire+ Community Hub Project

Funding requested: £70,000

 

The Board then discussed the supplementary papers that had been circulated concerning a proposal by Inspire+ to establish a hub to serve the community and meet the need in the local area following the rejection of proposal at a previous meeting which meant there was some unallocated funding.   Members of the Board were supportive of the proposal but some were concerned that the south of the district did not get the benefit that was afforded within the area around Grantham and they wanted confirmation of what work was carried out by Inspire+ in the south of the district.  The proposal was proposed, seconded and it was agreed to ENDORSE the funding request.

 

The Chairman thanked the Officers for their work in supporting the UKSPF and bringing the reports before the Board and closed the meeting at 12:50.