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 and community building grants as set out in appendix 3 be approved.

2. it be noted that the Leader will determine how best to allocate the remaining funds

The Leader of the Council introduced the report and explained that £50 000 had been set aside for the community pride scheme at Council in February. In addition a further £4 000 had been added from the community development budget to create a community building grant for the purposes of running small scale events and activities.

He reported that 33 community pride applications had been received for grants to match fund community led projects, up to the value of £5 000. 23 out of 33 had been approved either partially or completely. He informed members that an updated version of the appendix had been circulated and highlighted that the bid from Coconut Co-working Cheltenham had been withdrawn due to personal circumstances. However, officers had offered to offer continuing support to this project through the economic development service. The total sum awarded through the process totalled £41 500 and officers were awaiting further information on a couple of bids before they were determined. It was proposed that any remaining funds were rolled over to create a small pot of funding to support events and activities to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War.

The Leader thanked all those represented on the Panel which was cross party and which included officers and representatives from the voluntary sector.

Members welcome the broad range and diversity of the bids received which would be of benefit to the community and officers were thanked for their work supporting the process. It was noted that this fund was an effective way of supporting local communities and as such it was hoped that it would continue in future years. CBC’s contribution ensured that projects such as these had a greater impact.

RESOLVED THAT

1. the list of projects to be funded from community pride funds as set out in appendix 2 (as amended) and community building grants as set out in appendix 3 be approved.

2. it be noted that the Leader will determine how best to allocate the remaining funds