To note any declarations of interest, including those restricting voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

To note the decisions of the meeting held on 11 March 2015.

Consideration of any comments received from members of the public in relation to any of the reports on the agenda.

[Any submissions should be sent to the clerk listed on the agenda front page by 5pm the day before the meeting]

Chris Holme, Acting Corporate Director, Resources, introduced the report setting out proposals for the framework, specifications and timetable for the 2015/18 Mainstream Grants Programme as well as the desired outcomes. An addendum report was tabled which included updates from discussions that had taken place with Members, including at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Commissioners then asked attending Members to respond to the proposals in the report. Councillors Rachael Saunders, Peter Golds and Oliur Rahman provided responses.

The Commissioners considered the submissions from Members and responses from officers in particular about ward groupings and how to enable small organisations to bid.

The Commissioners requested that at the Annual General Meeting in May 2015, the Council set up a formal cross-party group to ensure proper engagement with Members on the grants process.

The Commissioners agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.            To note the Funding Framework as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.            To agree the proposed structure of the 2015/18 MSG Programme as set out in paragraphs 3.36 and 3.37 of the report.

3.            To agree the Programme budgets and top-slice proposals as set out in paragraphs 3.38 to 3.40 of the report.

4.            To note the redirection of the Early Years Services budget as outlined in paragraphs 3.41 and 3.42 of the report.

5.            To approve the Theme Specifications as set out in Appendix 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 to the report.

6.            To note the approaches and benefits to the new programme as summarised in paragraph 3.44 of the report.

7.            To note the application and assessment process as outlined in paragraphs 3.49 to 3.55 to the report.

8.            To approve the application form as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

9.            To approve the assessment protocol as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.

10.         To approve the proposed match funding requirements as set out in paragraph 3.56 of the report.

11.         To note the detailed Equality Assessment information as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

12.         To note the project and programme management monitoring and evaluation arrangements as outlined in paragraphs 3.74 to 3.79 to the report.

13.         To approve the guiding principles and governance arrangements as set out in Appendix 6 to the report.

14.         To approve the extension of the grant application period from 5 to 6 weeks as set out in paragraph 3.83 to the report.

Chris Holme, Acting Corporate Director, Resources, introduced the report proposing an extension to the funding of the Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Services to ensure continuity in support.

The Commissioners agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.            To approve an extension of 5 months for the THCVS totalling an amount of up to £83,000.

2.            To note the draft work plan as set out in (Appendix A) which sets out a range of activities and outputs from 1st April to 31st August 2015 – the precise work programme of which will be agreed as part of the grant negotiation process.

Dorne Kanareck, Interim Service Head Commissioning and Health, introduced the report on the future funding of the New Belvedere hostel for ex-servicemen.

The Commissioners considered the report and agreed the one year’s extension to the funding but stated that the Council should determine how the hostel would be funded in the future with a view to reducing their use of Council grants. To this end they agreed an amendment to the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.            To provide a targeted grant towards the running costs of the New Belvedere House ex-veterans hostel in recognition of the unique circumstances of this service and the historical funding issues, for a one year period commencing 1st April 2015.

2.            That the grant has a maximum ceiling at the current level of £150, 275, with final award being based on a robust assessment and demonstration of the continued need for the grant in the context of any wider funding opportunities.

3.            That Veterans Aid are asked to actively explore other funding opportunities to reduce their reliance on the Borough and precipitate tapering of the funding in future years.  

4.            That a report be presented to the Commissioners, and any other relevant decision makers, in six months’ time setting out proposals for how the New Belvedere Hostel will be supported in the future, with a particular focus on reducing their use of Council grants.