Commissioners will be asked to agree continuation of a targeted grant towards the running costs of the New Belvedere House ex-veterans hostel in recognition of the unique circumstances of this service and the historical funding issues, for a one year period commencing 1^st April 2015.

The grant will be at the historical level of £150, 275, with final award being based on a robust assessment and demonstration of the continued need for the grant in the context of any wider funding opportunities.

Dorne Kanareck, Interim Service Head Commissioning and Health, introduced the report on the future funding of the New Belvedere hostel for ex-servicemen.

The Commissioners considered the report and agreed the one year’s extension to the funding but stated that the Council should determine how the hostel would be funded in the future with a view to reducing their use of Council grants. To this end they agreed an amendment to the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.            To provide a targeted grant towards the running costs of the New Belvedere House ex-veterans hostel in recognition of the unique circumstances of this service and the historical funding issues, for a one year period commencing 1st April 2015.

2.            That the grant has a maximum ceiling at the current level of £150, 275, with final award being based on a robust assessment and demonstration of the continued need for the grant in the context of any wider funding opportunities.

3.            That Veterans Aid are asked to actively explore other funding opportunities to reduce their reliance on the Borough and precipitate tapering of the funding in future years.  

4.            That a report be presented to the Commissioners, and any other relevant decision makers, in six months’ time setting out proposals for how the New Belvedere Hostel will be supported in the future, with a particular focus on reducing their use of Council grants.