Mayor Biggs welcomed Councillor Amina Ali who had been appointed to the Sub Committee as a substitute.

He also welcomed Councillor Andrew Wood, Chair of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee and invited him to report the outcomes of the Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee’s (GSSC) discussions relating to the items to be determined by Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC).  Councillor Woods advised that a written report had been circulated to all GDSC Members before the meeting.  He advised that all reports had been discussed and the recommendations made, except that for the interim payment to Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) (Item 6.1), were supported.  GSSC felt unable to support the recommendation that payment be made to ORT as no officers had attended GSSC meeting to respond to questions.  Since GSSC members’ queries concerning this report remained unanswered they felt that the report should be deferred until the matters that had been raised were answered.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sirajul Islam and Asma Begum

Councillor Denise Jones declared an interest on respect of agenda item 6.4 in that she was Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Services, the area under which the activity was delivered.

Mayor Biggs, Councillor Jones and Councillor Ali made non pecuniary declarations in respect of agenda item 6.2.

Pollyanna Training Theatre Company:

Councillors Denise Jones declared an interest in the project was located in her Ward.

Councillor Amina Ali declared an interest in that her daughter had attended the project in the past.

Children Education Group:

Declarations of interest were made by all Elected Members of the Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) in that the Chair of Children Education Group Board (CEG) was known to them through their common Labour Party membership.

Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation:

Mayor Biggs declared an interest in that the trustees of this foundation were known to him.

Wadajir:

Councillor Amina Ali declared an interest in that those administering the project were known to her.

Black Women’s Health and Family Support:

Councillor Amina Ali declared an interest in that those administering the project were known to her.

Community Transport:

Mayor Biggs declared an interest in that he had been approached by members of this project in regard to premises issues.

Half Moon Professional Theatre Venue for Young People in Tower Hamlets:

Councillor Denise Jones declared an interest in that the project was known to her.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2017 were approved as a correct record of proceedings. 

Consideration of any written 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]

There were no public submissions relating to the agenda items to be considered at the meeting.

The Mayor advised that he had made no urgent decisions discharged as Individual Mayoral Decisions since the last meeting.

The Strategic Housing Manager and Regeneration Officer presented the report.  They apologised that no officer had been able to attend GSSC meeting and advised that a response to issues raised by GSSC had been circulated to all its members.  GDSC members were informed that for commercial and circumstantial reasons there had been delays in realising funding to ORT from retail units’ receipts and therefore an interim payment was being sought for 2017/18 pending completion of all necessary tasks to bring income from the retail units on stream for 2018/19.

Councillor Woods reported that GSSC was concerned that the projected self-funding elements of the project were slow to be delivered and the project had become protracted.  Additionally there was a risk of no funds if the retail units remained unlet.  Members of GDSC echoed this concern and noted there had been historic issues around the let of the regenerated retail units.

Members were informed that it had been recognised that ORT would not achieve full income in the first year of letting the retail units, and hence funding would likely be necessary in this period (2018/19).  Officers outlined how ORT had been subject to interim funding and lease arrangements at the Harford Centre whilst the retail units were being completed and let, this had also impacted on the organisations ability to raise additional funds independently.  However it was intended that the interim arrangement should not continue beyond the time necessary to establish an income stream from the retail units and work for a new rental proposal would be undertaken in the coming financial year.

The Chair enquired and Councillor Woods confirmed that the matters raised by GSSC had been answered sufficiently to withdraw the recommendation that the decision be deferred.

DECISION

1.    That the Corporate Director, Place be authorised to make a payment to Ocean Regeneration Trust of £80,000 in the financial year 2017/2018. “

The Strategic Housing Manager and Regeneration Officer presented the report which concerned interim grant funding to Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) for the period 2017/2018.  This payment would enable them to continue with their activities and in particular their partnership with City Gateway for the current financial year since the expected rental income from the north side shops has been delayed and it was now estimated that this funding stream will start from the second quarter 2018.

They apologised that no officer had been able to attend GSSC meeting and advised that a response to issues raised by GSSC had been circulated to all its members.  GDSC members were informed that for commercial and circumstantial reasons there had been delays in realising funding from retail units’ receipts and therefore an interim payment was being sought for 2017/18 pending completion of all necessary tasks to bring income from the retail units on stream for 2018/19.

Councillor Woods reported that GSSC had expressed concern on a number of matters relating to issues that; the projected self-funding elements of the project were slow to be delivered; the regeneration project had become protracted and there was a risk of no funds if the retail units remained unlet.  Members of GDSC echoed these concerns and noted there had been historic issues around the let of the regenerated retail units.

Members were informed that it had been recognised that ORT would not achieve full income in the first year of letting the retail units, and hence funding would likely be necessary in the period (2018/19).  Officers outlined how ORT had been subject to interim funding and lease arrangements at the Harford Centre whilst the retail units were being completed and let, this had also impacted on the organisations ability to raise additional funds independently.  However it was intended that the interim arrangement should not continue beyond the time necessary to establish an income stream from the retail units and work for a new rental proposal would be undertaken in the coming financial year.  Responding to GSSC questions on what income ORT might be able to generate themselves, the Sub Committee heard that it was not possible to give an indication at this time as it was not known what sort of revenues the let of the retail units would generate.  The Sub Committee also noted that there had been delays in the release of the buildings to the Council by the developer.

Following the discussion the Chair enquired and Councillor Woods confirmed that the matters raised by GSSC had been answered sufficiently to withdraw the recommendation that the decision be deferred.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Corporate Director, Place be authorised to make a payment to Ocean Regeneration Trust of £80,000 in the financial year 2017/2018. “

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 6.2

The Head of Benefits Service introduced the report which provided an update on the activity of the Innovation Fund and the pledges made and the match funding secured through this scheme.

The written comments in support of the scheme from GSSC and those of support from Councillor Woods at the meeting were noted.

DECISION

1.         That the report be noted

2.         That the pledges made to organisations as detailed in paragraph 5.5 of the report be noted.

The Head of Benefits Service introduced the report which provided an update on the activity of the Innovation Fund, the pledges made and the match funding secured through this scheme.  The Sub Committee heard that the scheme had generated a good match-funding response and that two projects under this scheme were already operational.

The written comments in support of the scheme from GSSC were noted. The Committee also noted a comment from Councillor Wood that the scheme encouraged engagement between the groups.

RESOLVED

1.         That the report be noted

2.         That the pledges made to organisations as detailed in paragraph 5.5 of the report be noted.

The Service Manager, Substance Misuse presented the report which concerns funding for the reimbursement of prescription costs to Tower Hamlets CCG for treatment interventions for individuals who misuse drugs / alcohol; a service which is commissioned by the Council.  The Chair requested clarification and the Divisional Director, Legal Services confirmed that the payment was deemed to be a grant since the Council had discretion to make the award and the activity was not for profit.

The written comments of GSSC supporting the proposal were noted.

DECISION

1.    That an annual grant to THCCG to the value of £210k to fund drug costs associated with substance misuse treatment interventions for the duration of the current Reset contract with ELFT (due to end on 30^th October 2018 or 30^th October 2019 if the option to extend is exercised) be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community to approve risk share agreement between THCCG and LBTH.

3.    That it be noted that payment of the grant will be made in arrears at the end of the year in which expenditure was incurred. The first payment will therefore be for the contract year 31^st October 2016 to 30^th October 2017.

4.    That it be noted that in the coming year a review of grants would be undertaken to ensure that payments made as grants would be appropriately categorised and where appropriate eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

The Service Manager, Substance Misuse presented the report which concerns funding for the reimbursement of prescription costs to Tower Hamlets CCG for treatment interventions for individuals who misuse drugs / alcohol; a service which is commissioned by the Council.  The Chair requested clarification and the Divisional Director, Legal Services confirmed that the payment was deemed to be a grant since the Council had discretion to make the award and the activity was not for profit.

The written comments of GSSC supporting the proposal were noted.

RESOLVED

1.    That an annual grant to THCCG to the value of £210k to fund drug costs associated with substance misuse treatment interventions for the duration of the current Reset contract with ELFT (due to end on 30^th October 2018 or 30^th October 2019 if the option to extend is exercised) be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to Corporate Director Health, Adults and Community to approve risk share agreement between THCCG and LBTH.

3.    That it be noted that payment of the grant will be made in arrears at the end of the year in which expenditure was incurred. The first payment will therefore be for the contract year 31^st October 2016 to 30^th October 2017.

4.    That it be noted that in the coming year a review of grants would be undertaken to ensure that payments made as grants would be appropriately categorised and where appropriate eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

Members received the forward plan and asked that progress on the items listed and deferred from the meeting be provided.  Members also noted that work was being undertaken to improve the scope of the information provided through the plan.

RESOLVED

1.         That the forward plan be noted

2.         That an update be provided on deferred items

EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

In view of the contents of the Appendix to this agenda item the Committee is recommended to adopt the following motion:

“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the Section Two business relating exempt information contained in the Appendix to this item on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972.”

EXEMPT SECTION (Pink Papers)

The exempt committee papers in the agenda will contain information, which is commercially, legally or personally sensitive and should not be divulged to third parties.  If you do not wish to retain these papers after the meeting, please hand them to the Committee Officer present.

The Chair noted the request for funding received and that the applicant did not meet the criteria as the project was not part of the MSG programme and there were premises issue.  The Chair enquired and it was confirmed that where such applications were received, officers engaged to explore what other forms of support might be offered.  The Sub Committee was also informed that the purpose of the fund was to address unforeseen circumstances for projects during the time Commissioners were directed to the Council.

The written comments of GSSC were noted.

RESOLVED

1.         That the officer recommendation not to award emergency funding based on the analysis set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report be endorsed.

2.         That decision making for future applications relating to the Emergency Funding Programme be delegated to the Corporate Director, Resources, after consultation with the Executive Mayor, as detailed in 5.4 of this report.

Nil items.