Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement is to submit a report on the Allocation of Community Grants 2022/23.

Cabinet

1)    APPROVED the award of Community Grants;

2)    APPROVED the use of £2,040 unallocated funds for the 2022/23 community grants budget and £5,088 unallocated funds from the 2021/22 community grants budget to create a one-off Community Grants Fund of £7,128 specifically for the Platinum Jubilee;

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Environment, to develop and implement a Platinum Jubilee           Community Grants Scheme for Melton.

Michelle Howard, Director for Housing and Communities introduced the report, the purpose of which was to outline and seek approval for the award of the Community Grants budget for the financial year 2022/23 and to propose a repurposing of unallocated funds to create a one-off Platinum Jubilee Grant Fund.

Mrs. Howard advised that the report was the product of considerable work undertaken by officers and the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, during a challenging period where there was much demand for community support.

Mrs. Howard highlighted that the Council had continued to invest in the Community Grant Scheme.  Its Community Grants Policy Framework was used to assess applications for grants and how to ensure the best impact and value for money.

Mrs. Howard confirmed that the process for grant applications involved a bidding window, within which community organisations could express an interest to receive a grant from the Community Grant Scheme.  A panel was then established to consider applications in line with policy and prioritise and assess the ability to award funding.  This year, the Council had in excess of £99k worth of requests for funding from a budget of £44k, which presented a challenge.  However, positive decisions had been made, as detailed within the table at paragraph 5.9.2 of the report.  The Council had not awarded grants to all partners due to eligibility and being unable to demonstrate how the policy criteria had been met.  In these cases, alternative support (i.e. through a contribution or other funding opportunities and support etc.) had been provided.

Mrs. Howard advised that due to an underspend of £7,128k on the allocation of community grants budget, an additional 1 off grant scheme for 2022 was proposed (the Platinum Jubilee Grants Scheme).  This would enable the Council to manage a small grant scheme to support community groups across the borough to deliver events in line with the Jubilee.

Councillor Alison Freer, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement commented that the allocation of community grants was a particularly positive aspect of her portfolio, as it resulted in such a direct impact on the community and had a positive impact on residents.  This was an outstanding project and the officers involved had worked to ensure that all eligible applicants had been successful, either wholly or in part in gaining funding.  Officers had engaged with community organisations to foster positive relationships with new and existing organisations and projects.  This work had resulted in an budget underspend, which could be used for Melton jubilee celebrations.

Councillor Freer highlighted that the allocation of community grants work had creating links with the Melton Community Lottery, increasing this pot of funding.  The work had helped the Council to learn more about the organisations benefiting from the grants and the positive impact the projects would have on the community.

The Leader thanked the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement and officers for their work, noting that it was positive that more organisations were accessing the Melton Community Lottery.

Cabinet

1)    APPROVED the award of Community Grants;

2)    APPROVED the use of £2,040 unallocated funds for the 2022/23 community grants budget and £5,088 unallocated funds from the 2021/22 community grants budget to create a one-off Community Grants Fund of £7,128 specifically for the Platinum Jubilee;

3)    DELEGATED authority to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Environment, to develop and implement a Platinum Jubilee           Community Grants Scheme for Melton.

Reasons for the recommendations

The Council’s investment in a Community Grants Scheme enables a fund for community groups and voluntary agencies to bid for.  The grants support the corporate theme of “Helping People” and the Council’s role both as supporter and enabler of community-based activities.  The allocation of the grants is important in supporting activities that benefit the residents of the Borough and bring positive social value.

The proposed allocation of grants for 2022/23 has been made following a robust, clear and transparent assessment panel approach in line with the approved Community Grants Policy criteria.

This year will be a unique one with the Borough preparing for Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.  The Council has an opportunity to expand the reach of the Community Grants budget to enable community organisations to bid for grant funding to support and enable their Jubilee celebrations.

This also provides the Council an opportunity to enhance its community leadership role in supporting Melton communities with Jubilee celebrations.

Delegated authority to develop and implement Platinum Jubilee Community Grants Scheme for Melton is requested to enable this to be progressed in readiness for the Jubilee.  It is proposed this would be best delivered as a small grants scheme, with maximum allocations not exceeding £1,000.