Mr Steve Hill, Head of Benefits presented his report in relation to the Mainstream Grant Project Performance Report – Period 12 (July 2018 to August 2018).

Mr Hill informed Members the report covered Red and Amber performance projects and there were three red rated projects and one Amber project. He said the three red projects related to Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation and their premises issues. The Amber project related to Wadajir Somali Community Centre who had applied for a significant variation.

Mr Hill referred Members to the recommendations at 3.3, 3.8 and 3.10 of the report.

In response to questions from Members the following was noted:

·         The significant variation for Wadijir Somali Community Centre is being proposed because there has been a drop in the number of boys attending the homework club. Members asked what had been done to encourage boys to stay and if consideration had been given to holding joint classes rather than separate classes for boys and girls. Mr Mee, Interim Voluntary and Community Sector Team Manager said he had researched the reasons why this might be and had worked with the organisation to identify ways of encouraging attendance. However it was clear the boys had other interests and were attending activities provided by other organisations.

·         With regard to Tower Hamlets Community Transport grant, Members asked if they had considered purchasing electric vehicles rather than diesel vehicles. Members stated that it would be better to purchase electric vehicles as they are more environmentally friendly.

o   ACTION: The Chair to request Grants Determination Sub-Committee if they will be willing to supply more funds for the purchase of electric vehicles instead.

·         Members raised concerns about why the reporting period for this report and asked why it had taken a long time. Mr Hill stated that the team had been concentrating on the extension of contracts and although the performance report had been produced, the deadline for the 7^th November 2018 meeting had just been missed. Hence it is why they were bringing this to the March meeting.

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

1.    Consider and agree the recommendations relating to the releasing of MSG payments to projects as set out in section 3.3 and 3.8 of the report.

2.    Consider and agree the recommendation relating to Tower Hamlets Community Transport as set out in section 3.10 of the report.