Carrie Kilpatrick Director of Health and Joint Commissioning Tower Hamlets CCG presented the report which concerned the continuation of Mental Health User Led Grants programme for a further three years to deliver preventative support to residents with mental health problems.  The organisations listed at appendix A were in receipt of this funding which would expire in March 2016 at which time a reapplication for funding would be required.

The Chair invited Councillor Saunders to comment on the proposals and she indicated that she broadly supported the proposals.

Commissioners were broadly supportive of the proposals and noted that a report would be brought in April 2016 to consider recommendations arising from the application process.  However they expressed the following concerns:

• Stifford MH User Led Group operated from a Council owned property; a grant may be paid subject that the property agreement with the Council is complete.
• Osmani MH User Led Group had no property arrangement in place and therefore a grant should be deferred until the matter is addressed.

RESOLVED

1.    That the commencement of the Mental Health User Led grants programme be approved at the current level of spend of £85,500

a.    for 12 months renewable dependent on outcomes performance for a further year and

b.    subject to regularised property arrangements with the Council where relevant.

2.    That the criteria under which the grants will be awarded be approved.