Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets, Councillor Peter Jeffries

RESOLVED THAT:

1.     the following rent support grant  is agreed: 

Applicant:  Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, Burrows Fields and Pavilion

Recommended rent support grant:  A rent support grant of 62% of current market rent, applied to the portion of rent which is not recouped through subletting to the café on site. 

2.     authority is delegated to the Participation and Engagement Team Leader, in consultation with One Legal to agree the terms of a rent support grant agreement with the applicant. 

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets introduced the report, saying that these grants help the council to support community and charity groups which play an important role in making Cheltenham a better place to live.  They encourage groups to become more independent and less reliant on council funding, and in order the qualify for a grant they must show that they are working in line with council’s corporate priorities.  

He said the report details an application from Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, a registered charity, which maintains the fields, sports pitches,  pavilion and café, and makes a strong case of evidence for their contribution to all the corporate priorities, in particular enhancing the environment and building a safe and strong community.  They have over 600 members, 49 youth teams, and strong community links, and the council is happy to work collaboratively to support them.

There were no Member questions.

The Cabinet Member for Safety and Communities was really pleased to note that even in these difficult financial times, when balancing the budget and making sure there is enough money to go round is so challenging, the council is still able to support  the important voluntary and community sector, helping them to continue doing such great work in communities they serve.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Culture, Wellbeing and Public Realm was also very supportive of this award, saying that his experience in helping to plant trees round the borders of Burrows Field, together with the county council and CBC’s greenspace team, had shown him how Leckhampton Rovers are working with the council on our corporate priorities and the environment, as well as providing an incredible amount of sporting opportunity for many teams of all ages.  He congratulated everyone involved for the great job they are doing.

The Leader said the 2016 decision to make grants like this available is one we should be very proud of – these organisations look after our buildings as well as delivering services the council cannot, and they wouldn’t be able to do this if they were charged market rents. Our communities would be poorer and weaker without the facilities and services they provide.

The Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, Parks, Gardens and Green Open Space also recognised the massive input to the town from Friends Groups, and from local football clubs who provide so much opportunity for children of all ages and abilities.  Leckhampton Rovers has taken on a huge project at Burrows Field, with grants from the Football Association and others to improve their pitches and facilities.  It is good that we can support them, and that we continue to support all voluntary organisations as much as possible.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets welcomed and agreed with all Members’ comments, saying this is one of those policies which is more about the outcomes than the money.

RESOLVED (unanimously) THAT:

1.     the following rent support grant  is agreed: 

Applicant:  Leckhampton Rovers Football Club, Burrows Fields and Pavilion

Recommended rent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5