Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Tony Nicholson

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the proposed policy on grant funding, as set out at appendix A to the report.

(2) To approve an extension to the grant awarded to BHT in 2018/19 for their support to Lewes District residents needing to claim Universal Credit.

(3) To agree the allocation of funding to voluntary organisations for 2019/20 as set out in paragraph 2.24 of the report, subject to the grant conditions set out at appendix A to the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration and Planning seeking their approval for amendments to the Council’s policy on grants to voluntary organisations, outlining performance of the voluntary organisations funded in 2018/19 and to agree funding for 2019/20.

In response to a question from visiting member, Councillor Catlin on Community Transport, Cabinet referred him to the response that was given to a public question at the Full Council meeting on the 26 November 2018.

Visiting member, Councillor Gardiner reported on Scrutiny Committee’s consideration of this item at its meeting on the 7 February 2019.

Cabinet and visiting members discussed the current process and increasing opportunities for other bodies to be given grant funding. The Council’s Local Lottery scheme once set up would also enable local good causes to raise additional income.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To approve the proposed policy on grant funding, as set out at appendix A to the report.

(2) To approve an extension to the grant awarded to BHT in 2018/19 for their support to Lewes District residents needing to claim Universal Credit.

(3) To agree the allocation of funding to voluntary organisations for 2019/20 as set out in paragraph 2.24 of the report, subject to the grant conditions set out at appendix A to the report.

Reasons for decisions:

(1) The Council choose to give grants to voluntary organisations and currently funds a small number of strategic voluntary sector organisations which provide a range of essential services to our residents which address key council priorities.

(2) The proposed amendments to the Council’s Voluntary Sector Grants Policy are designed to ensure that awards of grants comply with current European State Aid regulations and with Data Protection legislation.

(3) The proposed grants were in line with the Council’s Voluntary Sector Grants policy and Cabinet decisions made on 5 February 2018.