The Chair introduced the item and the Corporate Director Resources advised that:

• The report concerned performance of projects in receipt of MSG funding in the period July – September 2017.
• The data reported was affected by outstanding premises issues and some monitoring returns not submitted.
• The Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel met on 8^th December 2017 to consider red and amber rated projects.
• The recommendations are made on the basis of the follow up work carried out following the Panel’s meeting.
• A community building review arising from the decision on 10 July 2017 that the process and criteria for reduced rent for community buildings should be extended to all council buildings as set out at 3.13 of the report identified a number of organisations which fell within the scope of the review.  It was proposed that payments to these organisations should continue until the review concludes.
• Polly Anna Training Theatre had made a significant variation request; this had been considered by the Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel.
• Other boroughs’ CVS organisations were extending their activities beyond their own borough boundaries.

The Sub Committee noted the written comments of GSSC.

Councillor Begum abstained from the decision relating to Recommendation 3

DECISION

Recommendation 1 - Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association

That it be agreed that:

·         Payment be suspended to the Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association until financial concerns regarding spend are resolved by the organisation.

·         Once resolved, that the Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Executive Mayor, be delegated authority to release payment for this period - subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 2 – Our Base

That it be agreed that:

·         The Council explore whether a license for the use of the premises will be more appropriate then a lease.

·         That the outstanding lease/premises issues be resolved before funds can be released to Our Base.

Recommendation 3 – Pollyanna Training Theatre

That in recognition of Pollyanna Training Theatre’s willingness to enter into a property agreement with the Council, that payment be released to the organisation subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 4 – Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation (Use of Various Schools)

·         That in acknowledgment that booking forms have been submitted for the Hub Club Programme and Stepping Stones Programme, payment be released subject to satisfactory performance.

·         That payment continues to be suspended for the Active Families project until premises and performance related issues are resolved.

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

That payment be paid to the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Black Women’s Health and Family Support, Age UK and Tower hamlets Community Transport whilst the Community Building Review – Extended  ...  view the full decision text for item 6

The Chair introduced the item and following this the Corporate Director Resources advised Members that:

• The report concerned performance of projects in receipt of MSG funding in the period July – September 2017.
• The data reported was affected by outstanding premises issues and some monitoring returns not submitted.
• The Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel met on 8^th December 2017 to consider red and amber rated projects.
• The recommendations are made on the basis of the follow up work carried out following the Panel’s meeting.
• A community building review arising from the decision on 10 July 2017 that the process and criteria for reduced rent for community buildings should be extended to all council buildings as set out at 3.13 of the report identified a number of organisations which fell within the scope of the review.  It was proposed that payments to these organisations should continue until the review concludes.
• Pollyanna Training Theatre had made a significant variation request; this had been considered by the Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel.
• Other boroughs’ CVS organisations were extending their activities beyond their own borough boundaries.

The Sub Committee noted the written comments of GSSC.

Councillor Begum abstained from the decision relating to Recommendation 3.

The Sub Committee discussed the significant service variation request from Pollyanna Training Theatre and felt that more they could not support the request on the basis of the evidence provided.  They asked for more information around how the project would engage with wider community and in particular BAME community.

RESOLVED

Recommendation 1 - Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association

That it be agreed that:

·         Payment be suspended to the Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association until financial concerns regarding spend are resolved by the organisation.

·         Once resolved, that the Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Executive Mayor, be delegated authority to release payment for this period - subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 2 – Our Base

That it be agreed that:

·         The Council explore whether a license for the use of the premises will be more appropriate then a lease.

·         That the outstanding lease/premises issues be resolved before funds can be released to Our Base.

Recommendation 3 – Pollyanna Training Theatre

That in recognition of Pollyanna Training Theatre’s willingness to enter into a property agreement with the Council, that payment be released to the organisation subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 4 – Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation (Use of Various Schools)

·         That in acknowledgment that booking forms have been submitted for the Hub Club Programme and Stepping Stones Programme, payment be released subject to satisfactory performance.

·         That payment continues to be suspended for the Active Families project until premises and performance related issues are resolved.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

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.

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.

He also 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

The Chair noted that representatives from Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Age UK and Tower Hamlets CVS were present at the meeting to hear the discussion of this item.

The Head of Benefits Services presented the report which provided full performance data for Members’ information for period 6 and updates on premises issues.

The written comments of GSSC were noted. 

Members were informed that proposals outlined in the Community Buildings Review report were intended to address the performance ratings issues evidenced in this and previous performance reports.  These were expected to be resolved by April 2018.

DECISION

1.        That the content of the report and the comments of the Sub Committee be noted.

2.        That the premises updates provided at para 3.10 to 3.25 be noted.

The Chair noted that representatives from Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Age UK and Tower Hamlets CVS were present at the meeting to hear the discussion of the item.

The Head of Benefits Services presented the report which provided full performance data for Members’ information for period 6 and updates on premises issues.

The written comments of GSSC were noted and the following updates provided on outstanding issues:

• Children Education Group – outstanding property matters were almost resolved and consolidation was expected over the coming four weeks.
• Black Women’s Health and Family Support, this was a presentation issue and the matter would be reported at the next GDSC meeting.
• Red-Amber-Green Context -  it was intended the report would be presented in a more accessible format.  Proposal would be brought to the Sub Committee in September.
• Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club – there was now a S25 notice which permitted a six-month negotiation period before enforcement of the notice.  Officers from the Strategy Team would examine how best to address and mitigate the situation.

The Sub Committee enquired how the Community Buildings Review – Extended Scope review would impact the organisations that had attended to hear the discussion.  Members were informed that proposals (of the Community Buildings Review report) were intended to address the performance ratings issues evidenced in previous performance reports by means of a subsidy.  The issues were expected to be resolved by April 2018.

RESOLVED

1.        That the content of the report and the comments of the Sub Committee be noted.

2.        That the premises updates provided at para 3.10 to 3.25 be noted.

Steve Hill, Head of Benefits Services presented the report and addendum which provided performance updates for Period 6 (Januaryto March 2017)covering projects performance rated Red andAmber.  An addendum was tabled to reflect the most up-to-date position on the projects and this information was also provided verbally to GSSC on 3^rd May 2017.

The comments of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee were noted. 

The Chair:

• noted the property updates provided verbally by the Business Support Manager on behalf of the Divisional Director for Property and Major Projects
• recommended that discussions to regularise property arrangements for all projects should be pursued so that all anomalies may be resolved.
• agreed to receive comments at the meeting from representatives of Wadajir project, Tower Hamlets CVS and Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum  relating to property matters.

On the basis of the rationale provided in the report against each of the areas reported, the Sub Committee agreed the following recommendations:

DECISION

1. That the following funding decisions which relate to property issues be agreed:

Recommendation 1

That grant funding continue to be suspended until confirmation that Children Education Group have entered into the lease agreement.

Recommendation 2

That, as detailed in the 14^th March 2017 Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee, payment of grants be suspended as no confirmation of property arrangements has been received from the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club by the 9^th May 2017.

Recommendation 3

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane and) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Black Women’s Health and Family Support, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 4

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Age UK East London, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 5 

That,

a)    in view of the ongoing work relating to premises issues and ongoing review of arrangements of Pollyanna Training Theatre, no payments be made and the project be Red rated until the satisfactory outcome of the review (including premises arrangements).

b)    in the event that the review is concluded satisfactorily and in light of underperformance in respect of the project beneficiaries discussed at Grants Spotlight Review Panel on 28^th April 2017, performance then be Amber rated.

Recommendation 6

That MSG payments continue to be suspended to Our Base LTD until an appropriate property agreement is in place.  That the organisation be given until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (20^th June 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

Recommendation 7

That, since the process for preparing a licence is underway, MSG payments to Family Action continue to be paid monthly in arrears pending the appropriate premises agreement being signed.

2.    That the following funding decisions, which concern issues arising from  ...  view the full decision text for item 6

Steve Hill, Head of Benefits Services presented the report and addendum which provided performance updates for Period 6 (Januaryto March 2017)covering projects performance rated Red andAmber.  An addendum was tabled to reflect the most up-to-date position on the projects and this information was also provided verbally to GSSC on 3^rd May 2017.

The comments of GSSC in relation to premises issues and late submission of performance data were noted. 

The Chair:

• noted the property updates provided verbally by the Business Support Manager on behalf of the Divisional Director for Property and Major Projects
• recommended that discussions to regularise property arrangements for all projects should be pursued so that all anomalies may be resolved.
• agreed to receive comments at the meeting from representatives of Wadajir project, Tower Hamlets CVS and Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum relating to property matters.

On the basis of the rationale provided in the report against each of the areas reported, the Sub Committee agreed the following recommendations:

RESOLVED

1. That the following funding decisions which relate to property issues be agreed:

Recommendation 1

That grant funding continue to be suspended until confirmation that Children Education Group have entered into the lease agreement.

Recommendation 2

That, as detailed in the 14^th March 2017 Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee, payment of grants be suspended as no confirmation of property arrangements has been received from the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club by the 9^th May 2017.

Recommendation 3

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane and) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Black Women’s Health and Family Support, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 4

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Age UK East London, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 5 

That,

a)    in view of the ongoing work relating to premises issues and ongoing review of arrangements of Pollyanna Training Theatre, no payments be made and the project be Red rated until the satisfactory outcome of the review (including premises arrangements).

b)    in the event that the review is concluded satisfactorily and in light of underperformance in respect of the project beneficiaries discussed at Grants Spotlight Review Panel on 28^th April 2017, performance then be Amber rated.

Recommendation 6

That MSG payments continue to be suspended to Our Base LTD until an appropriate property agreement is in place.  That the organisation be given until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (20^th June 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

Recommendation 7

That, since the process for preparing a licence is underway, MSG payments to Family Action continue to be paid monthly in arrears pending the appropriate premises agreement being signed.

2.    That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

The Chair introduced the report noting that information on the projects reported and recommendations had been updated since the agenda was published. This information was provided in the addendum report tabled at the meeting.  Steve Hill, Head of Grants and Benefits informed the Sub Committee that the report focussed on projects where property issues remained outstanding and provided updates on these projects concerning measures to regularise property arrangements and their implications on the payment of MSG funding.

The written comments of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee were noted.  Sub Committee Members’ and Commissioner Caller’s comments on the following issues were noted:

• That performance monitoring should distinguish between activity outputs and outcomes.
• That there should be greater outcome monitoring.
• Concern highlighted by GSSC around disproportionally high rents for small organisations, especially where these operate from premises other than those classified as community buildings.
• That, given the mediation and engagement offered by the Council in respect of Children Education Group (CEG) to regularise its property arrangements, that the terms offered to this project (set out at recommendation 1) are reasonable.
• That historic property arrangements relating to 82 Russia Lane are complex and that the premises offers a mixed administrative and community provision which does not fully fit the Council’s community buildings criteria.
• That a consistent rationale and transparent approach must be adopted in resolving property issues.  Any discounts must be consistently applied according to agreed criteria.

DECISION

Recommendation 1

i.          That grant funding to CEG continue to be suspended until confirmation that CEG has entered into the lease agreement.

ii.         That the Children Education Group (CEG) be required to have entered into an appropriate property agreement within seven (7) consecutive days of the issue of the Heads of Terms by the Council.  If CEG have entered into an agreement, MSG payments can be released subject to satisfactory performance.  In the event that CEG have not entered into an appropriate property agreement within seven (7) consecutive days of the issue of the Heads of Terms, CEG are to be removed from the current MSG programme and no further MSG payments be made.

Recommendation 2

i.          That Bethnal Green Weight Lifting Club be alowed until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (9 May 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

ii.         That payment of grant be suspended after this date if no confirmation is provided.

iii.        That grant payment continue to this organisation monthly in arrears, subject to satisfactory performance until the date of the next GDSC meeting (9 May 2017).

Recommendation 3

i.          That, in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane, whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are sent to Black Womens Health and Family Support, MSG payments be changed from quarterly in arrears to monthly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

ii.         That the Committee receive an update report at the next GDSC meeting (9 May 2017)

Recommendation 4

i.          That, in  ...  view the full decision text for item 6

The Chair introduced the report noting that information on the projects reported and recommendations had been updated since the agenda was published. This information was provided in the addendum report tabled at the meeting.  Steve Hill, Head of Grants and Benefits informed the Sub Committee that the report focussed on projects where property issues remained outstanding and provided updates on these projects concerning measures to regularise property arrangements and their implications on the payment of MSG funding.

The written comments of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee were noted.  Sub Committee Members’ and Commissioner Caller’s comments on the following issues were noted:

• That performance monitoring should distinguish between activity outputs and outcomes.
• That there should be greater outcome monitoring.
• Concern highlighted by GSSC around disproportionally high rents for small organisations, especially where these operate from premises other than those classified as community buildings.
• That, given the mediation and engagement offered by the Council in respect of Children Education Group (CEG) to regularise its property arrangements, that the terms offered to this project (set out at recommendation 1) are reasonable.
• That historic property arrangements relating to 82 Russia Lane are complex and that the premises offers a mixed administrative and community provision which does not fully fit the Council’s community buildings criteria.
• That a number of weeks will be required to complete a survey to determine rental value of 82 Russia Lane and draw up heads on terms. Following this Age UK and Black Womens Health and Family Support will require reasonable time to review their intention to enter into a lease.
• That a consistent rationale and transparent approach must be adopted in resolving property issues.  Any discounts must be consistently applied according to agreed criteria.

RESOLVED

Recommendation 1

i.          That grant funding to CEG continue to be suspended until confirmation that CEG has entered into the lease agreement.

ii.         That the Children Education Group (CEG) be required to have entered into an appropriate property agreement within seven (7) consecutive days of the issue of the Heads of Terms by the Council.  If CEG have entered into an agreement, MSG payments can be released subject to satisfactory performance.  In the event that CEG have not entered into an appropriate property agreement within seven (7) consecutive days of the issue of the Heads of Terms, CEG are to be removed from the current MSG programme and no further MSG payments be made.

Recommendation 2

i.          That Bethnal Green Weight Lifting Club be alowed until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (9 May 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

ii.         That payment of grant be suspended after this date if no confirmation is provided.

iii.        That grant payment continue to this organisation monthly in arrears, subject to satisfactory performance until the date of the next GDSC meeting (9 May 2017).

Recommendation 3

That, in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane, whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

The Head of Grants & Benefits Service introduced the performance monitoring report which provided an interim update for the period October – December 2016. Members were informed that since the next MSG reporting cycle would deliver a full monitoring report after the period of the SoS directions had ended, it was intended to provide interim data covering red and amber rated projects.

At the Chair’s invitation representatives of Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Black Women’s Health and Family Support, Age UK and THCVS each addressed the Sub Committee concerning their written submissions. The written representation from Children Education Group was also considered.

Comments of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee were noted.  Sub Committee Members’ and Commissioner Caller’s comments on the following broad issues were noted:

• Red performance ratings recorded in the period were as a consequence of premises issues;
• Premises issues were a matter identified by Commissioners in 2014;
• Moves toward regularising property arrangements had created significant financial issues for a number of community groups;
• The common issues raised by THCVS in its written representation which affected the projects delivering their schemes via Council properties could not be properly resolved in the meeting but required further discussion, analysis and review. These matters should therefore be progresses and a report made at a future meeting.

The Sub Committee considered and discussed each of the recommendations and

DECISION

Recommendation 1 – Children Education Group

That this project, on the basis that a prior meeting with the Mayor failed to take place, that the organisation had been offered alternative options in regard to rent and premises and on the basis of the written representation discussed by the Sub Committee, be offered a period of two weeks hence in order to make arrangements to meet with the Mayor to discuss their concerns and for mediation.  Failure to do so will result in the group being removed from the Grants programme.

Recommendation 2 – Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club

That this group, on the basis that it has engaged with the Council in respect of its property arrangements, its representation at the meeting and in view of the possibility of a partnership arrangement with Ability Bow organisation,

1. beoffered support to explore the viability of partnership with Ability Bow.
2. receive MSG funding one month in arrears while property issues are being resolved pending an update on the property agreement to be provided at the next meeting
3. be offered officer support to apply for Emergency Funding.

Recommendation 3 and 4 – Black Women’s Health and Family Support and Age UK

That, on the basis that both have confirmed their willingness to enter into a formal premises arrangement with the Council and that red performance ratings returned for both in the period are due to premises issues

1.  The quarterly MSG payment be paid to these organisations monthly in arrears (rather than quarterly in advance), subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings excluding consideration of premises issues.

2.  That property issues are considered separately for the purposes of the MSG payments whilst  ...  view the full decision text for item 6

The Head of Grants & Benefits Service introduced the performance monitoring report which provided an interim update for the period October – December 2016. Members were informed that since the next MSG reporting cycle would deliver a full monitoring report after the period of the SoS directions had ended, it was intended to provide interim data covering red and amber rated projects.

At the Chair’s invitation representatives of Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Black Women’s Health and Family Support, Age UK and THCVS each addressed the Sub Committee concerning their written submissions. The written representation from Children Education Group was also considered.

The written comments of GSSC were noted.  GDSC Members’ and Commissioner Caller’s comments on the following broad issues were noted:

• Red performance ratings recorded in the period were as a consequence of premises issues;
• Premises issues were a matter identified by Commissioners in 2014;
• Moves toward regularising property arrangements had created significant financial issues for a number of community groups;
• The common issues raised by THCVS in its written representation which affected the projects delivering their schemes via Council properties could not be properly resolved during the time permitted in the meeting

GDSC considered that the issues raised by THCVS required further discussion, analysis and review.  Members requested that a report addressing matters raised by THCVS in its letter and issues arising from the impacts of the policies governing property on community groups and projects be made at a future meeting.

The Sub Committee also considered and discussed each of the recommendations and

RESOLVED

Recommendation 1 – Children Education Group

That this project, on the basis that a prior meeting with the Mayor failed to take place, that the organisation had been offered alternative options in regard to rent and premises and on the basis of the written representation discussed by the Sub Committee, be offered a period of two weeks hence in order to make arrangements to meet with the Mayor to discuss their concerns and for mediation.  Failure to do so will result in the group being removed from the Grants programme.

Recommendation 2 – Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club

That this group, on the basis that it has engaged with the Council in respect of its property arrangements, its representation at the meeting and in view of the possibility of a partnership arrangement with Ability Bow organisation,

1. beoffered support to explore the viability of partnership with Ability Bow.
2. receive MSG funding one month in arrears while property issues are being resolved pending an update on the property agreement to be provided at the next meeting
3. be offered officer support to apply for Emergency Funding.

Recommendation 3 and 4 – Black Women’s Health and Family Support and Age UK

That, on the basis that both have confirmed their willingness to enter into a formal premises arrangement with the Council and that red performance ratings returned for both in the period are due to premises issues

1.  The quarterly MSG payment be paid to these organisations monthly in arrears  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6