This Blanket FP1 is for the Main Stream Grants (MSG) Quarterly monitoring report which provides quarterly information on the performance of organisations and projects which receive funding under the MSG Programme.

Commissioners/ Members will be asked to

·         note the contents of the report

·         consider Officer recommendations for payments of mainstream grants where project monitoring has returned red and amber performance project ratings.

·         agree future reporting requirements and actions.  

The Head of Benefits Services presented the report which reported performance of projects under the Mainstream Grants Programme (MSG) for the period April-June 2017 and provided verbal updates on four of the projects rated amber/red.

The written comments of GSSC were noted.

DECISION

That the recommendations relating to the following red and amber rated projects be approved.

Recommendation 1 – Our Base

1. That the committee note the progress being made with Our Base in respect of premises and a premises update be provided in the next MSG quarterly monitoring report (July to September 2017).

2. That the outstanding lease/premises issues and performance monitoring work be resolved before funds can be released.

Recommendation 2 – Pollyanna Training Theatre

1. That a premises update be provided in the next MSG quarterly monitoring report (July to September 2017) in respect of the Pollyanna Training Theatre together with the finalised significant variation request.

2. That it be noted that no funds will be released until premises issues are resolved.

Recommendation 3 – Children’s Education Group  

In acknowledgement that the CEG have been Red rated for performance for a period of 12 months due to the premises issues which remain unresolved, mindful too that CEG projects delivery have ceased as a consequence of grant funding being suspended, CEG be removed from the MSG programme.

Recommendation 4 – Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation

1. That the verbal update on progress to resolve premises issues be noted.

2. That in acknowledgement of the verbal performance monitoring update provided concerning Hub Club and Stepping Stones projects,  payments be released subject to satisfactory progress on the premises issues.

3. That a premises update be provided in the next MSG quarterly monitoring report (July to September 2017) in respect of the Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation.

Recommendation 5 - Family Action

That in acknowledgement of Family Action completing their old license, including payment of rent and considering their willingness to enter into an appropriate property agreement, MSG payments be released for this period subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 6 – Wadajir

That whilst negotiations take place between the Trustees of the Teviot Community Hall and the Council, MSG payments to Wadajir continue subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 7 - Community Building Review – extended scope

1. That payment continue to be paid to Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Black Women’s Health and Family Support, Age UK and Tower Hamlets Community Transport whilst the review is concluded, subject to satisfactory performance.

2. That the verbal update on progress towards addressing premises issues for the above organisations arising from the re-classification of premises as community buildings and non-community buildings be noted.

Recommendation 8

That the significant variation request to reduce the number of participants, received from Cubitt Town Bangladeshi Cultural Association be approved.

Recommendation 9

That the significant variation request to realign the periods to measure user outcomes, received from Half Moon Professional Theatre Venue for Young People in Tower Hamlets be approved.