Councillor Saunders, Deputy Mayor, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services and with special responsibility for Grants introduced the report which concerned an award to support CVS to increase its capacity and its capacity building and a new Innovation Fund to enable CVS to respond reactively to Third Sector innovations.  The Chair noted the written submission made by CVS regarding this matter.

The Chair invited Councillors present to comment on the report and they indicated that they supported the proposals.

Commissioner Max Caller indicated that he supported the proposals, however the Council must continue to discharge its responsibilities on consultation and maintain proper consultation arrangements.

RESOLVED

1.    That the proposal to have two funding arrangements to provide 1) infrastructure support via the CVS and

2.    That the creation of an Innovation Fund be agreed.

3.    That the criteria, process and timetable for the new Innovation Fund be co-produced with the voluntary and community sector and consulted on in line with the principles of the VCS strategy be agreed.

4.    That a further report be made to Commissioners on the outcome of the consultation and the final arrangements for the Innovation Fund.