DECISION

1.    To agree the structure and outcomes framework for the proposed  Local Community Fund programme as set out in the report and Appendix A to the report:

2.    To note that the new programme represents a change in the approach to move towards commissioning agreed in March 2018

3.    To note the proposals for continued engagement with the voluntary and community sector in the co-design of the programme;

4.    To agree the proposed budget allocation as set out in paragraph 3.41 of the report and authorise the Chief Executive to agree funding recommendations made by the independent contractor and enter into the funding agreements and all other documentation.

5.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment / specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy Manager (D. Freeman)

Note – this item as taken at the same time as Agenda Item 6.2 (Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Programme) and the combined minute is set out below. Please see item 6.2 for its set of decisions.

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the reports looking at proposals for updating the way the Council supported local community and voluntary organisations and services. She highlighted a number of points including that:

·         The proposed budget allocation for the Local Community Fund Programme was to be £2.66m which would maintain existing funding levels.

·         It was important to encourage voluntary sector in co-designing provision.

·         There was a focus on building transparency into the arrangements

The Mayor welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of rebuilding grants processes after previous problems. He reported that the Council recognised the value of supporting community providers. He noted that Scrutiny still had an important role in monitoring this work. He then agreed the recommendations in both reports.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the structure and outcomes framework for the proposed  Local Community Fund programme as set out in the report and Appendix A to the report:

2.    To note that the new programme represents a change in the approach to move towards commissioning agreed in March 2018

3.    To note the proposals for continued engagement with the voluntary and community sector in the co-design of the programme;

4.    To agree the proposed budget allocation as set out in paragraph 3.41 of the report and authorise the Chief Executive to agree funding recommendations made by the independent contractor and enter into the funding agreements and all other documentation.

5.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment / specific equalities considerations as set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.