Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader

RESOLVED THAT

1.     the list of projects to be funded from community pride funds as set out in Appendix 2 be approved.

2.     authority be delegated to the Strategy and Engagement Manager, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, how best to award the remaining funds.

The Leader introduced the report and explained that as part of the 2015-16 budget £50 000 was set aside for the community pride scheme. In addition a further £4 000 was added to the pot from the community development budget to create a community building grant fund. He reported that both funds were made available to support neighbourhood based projects that would build up community pride and enable local groups to be more influential in supporting their communities and improving their neighbourhoods. In total 30 community pride applications had been received for £50 000 of funding. The Leader thanked the Panel who had met on 29 June to assess the applications.

The Leader explained that some applications had been agreed in full, whereas some had been scaled down due to the size of the project. Further clarification was also sought on some projects. Particular mention was given to Bath Road Terrace and car parks and its greening vision. Whilst the bid did not meet the chosen criteria the Leader highlighted that officers were keen to meet with them and look at the project as part of the corporate strategy 2016.

Members welcomed the diversity of requests that had been received from across the borough.

The Leader reminded members that this concerned match funding of projects.

RESOLVED THAT

1.    the list of projects to be funded from community pride funds as set out in Appendix 2 be approved.

2.    authority be delegated to the Strategy and Engagement Manager, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, how best to award the remaining funds.

(having declared an interest in this agenda item the Cabinet Member Finance abstained from the vote)