Ms Alison Denning, Festival and Events Officer presented her report on the Event Fund applications and awards 2018-19. Ms Denning apologised for the error in the report title which referred to the Grants Determination Sub-Committee happening on Monday rather than Wednesday 6^th March 2019. She stated further amendments were at 3.2 and 3.4 of the report which she would resubmit for the Determination Sub-Committee meeting.

That said, Ms Denning informed members the format of the report had changed and going forward, she would provide the Sub-Committee with two reports, one detailing the Applications and Awards and a second report presenting the outcomes of the events.

Ms Denning informed members the Event Fund is a small grant with a budget of £52,000. For 2018-19, a total of 60 applications were received, with 43 organisations receiving funding. Applications that are rejected are provided with feedback as to why they were unsuccessful. Ms Denning stated that over the last year, the Service had involved THCVS who had provided workshops across the borough in order to encourage and engage with new groups and organisations. Eleven organisations who had not previously applied had been awarded with funding this year.

In response to questions from Members the following was noted:

·         Some organisations change their plans from their initial submission however they are required to provide reasons for the change. Ms Denning said 80% of the grant would be paid up-front with 20% being paid after an evaluation of the event had taken place. Once funds have been allocated they cannot be reallocated. No organisation has had to refund the funding however the Event Fund has withheld second payments to certain organisations when needed.

·         The Event Fund is working with THCVS to advertise to organisations in specific areas especially in wards where there is low take up. The approach has been generic in using the THCVS database and holding workshops in those areas however there is no guarantee that organisations will take up the offer.

·         With regard to how the events are judged to be a success, Ms Denning said this depends on what the events is about and who it is targeted at. A minimum number is not specified on the form however the number of attendees does not mean an event is not successful as the beneficiaries may be able to cascade information to others.

·         With regard to organisations that have been rejected this may be for several reasons. For example they may not have sufficient match funding, their event may not be widely targeting the local community or are considered to be closed events. Some organisations leave certain parts of the application form blank. Constructive feedback is given to organisations stating why they were unsuccessful.

Members of the Sub-Committee RESOLVED to AGREE and ENDORSE the recommendations to the Grants Determination Sub-Committee to:

1.    Note the report.