The Committee received a report that provided an overview of the Scrutiny Challenge Session on Premises Charges and Community Benefit Rent Reduction Scheme undertaken by the Scrutiny Lead for Resources and Finance and made six recommendations for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The main points of the discussions on the report may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

·         Thanked Councillor Candida Ronald (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector) for her attendance at the session;

·         Noted that the scrutiny challenge session had aimed to (i) assess the effectiveness of the scheme in mitigating any potential impacts on voluntary and community sector organisations following the introduction of premises charges; and (ii) whether the scheme goes far enough to ensure that there is a thriving voluntary and community sector in Tower Hamlets;

·         Was informed that the session had been chaired by Councillor Tarik Khan (Scrutiny Lead for Resources and Finance) and had been attended by council officers, partners and community organisations who contributed to the session;

·         Recognised that the Voluntary and Community Sector play an important role in the Council meeting its duty under the Act through providing among other things employment, key services and community spaces for residents which make a positive impact in the lives of residents through helping eliminate discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between people.

·         Observed that the report made six recommendations relating to several key areas where the Council can make changes to improve an organisations ability to operate and provide services for residents. The recommendations also aim to improve transparency around community buildings in the Borough and to raise the Council’s recognition of the value these buildings have to voluntary and community sector organisations;

·         Noted that it is the role of councillors to consider issues that impact community and its residents; and

·         Was informed that this report and recommendations aim to highlight the unique and powerful role of that the VCS in the fabric of the community which contributes to improving outcomes for local people and reducing dependency on public services.

The Chair Moved and it was:

RESOLVED to agree the report