Resolved

1.         That first year funding from June to end of the financial year 2010 for the ten organisations which have been successful in the commissioning process and met the priorities agreed by Cabinet on 2^nd December 2010 be agreed.  Funding for subsequent year will be subject to budget;

2.         That the budget be reduced by 10% and from this balance:

The Berner Estate Tenants Association be awarded proportionate  funding for Year 1 (9 months) and an award of £5,000 for Year 2 of the agreement subject to compliance with the funding criteria.

3.         That Officers be requested to circulate to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Panel copies of the following organisations applications:

·                    Tower Hamlets Parents Centre

·                    Children’s Education Group

·                    Brune Bernard Carter Community Centre (BBC Elderly Services)

4.         That on receipt of this information Officers in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Panel be authorised to determine whether their applications should be accommodated in the budget subject to compliance with the funding criteria.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR ADULTS HEALTH AND WELLBEING (H. TAYLOR)

Service Head, Commissioning Manager, Older People, Adults Health and Wellbeing. 

Commissioning Manager, Older People Adults Health and Wellbeing (B. Disney)

Ms Barbara Disney (Commissioning Manager, Older People Adults Health and Wellbeing) presented a report seeking the Grant’s Panels decisions on Mainstream Grant awards for the period 1^st July 2010 to 31^st March 2013. Ms Disney reported on the funding priorities for the budget as agreed by Members. Details of the applications submitted were set out in the appendix to the report. Following officer assessment it was recommended that ten projects be recommended for funding.

At the request of the Chair, Ms Disney reported on the services provided by each of the ten project recommended for funding.

In response to the recommendations, Councillor Asad considered that there were a number of other organisations where there were significant problems with overcrowding and social deprivation. He considered that further consideration be given to their applications as set out below:

Brune Bernard Carter Community Centre (BBC Elderly Services). Ms Disney clarified the reasons why their application was unsuccessful. It contained no real evidence, no proof of plans. It failed to clarify what they intended to offer. There was no management structure. Councillor Asad reported that he had recently met with the group. Whilst he was there, there were around 60-70 visitors. He considered that maybe the group were not familiar with the application process. It was noted that the project was funded last year, but had not progressed far enough.

The Berner Estate Tenants Association. Councillor Asad stated that he had paid a visit to the project. He found that a large number of elderly people visited the organisation where they shared experiences. It provided a much needed service for elderly residents. Ms Disney reported that whilst the group’s application met the minimal standards, it covered such a small area. Officers based their decision on need and value for money  and the fact  that a large number of other projects scored a higher score. The organisation was primarily a social club.

The Children’s Education Group. Councillor Asad considered that the organisation provided support to elderly women, whilst the project may not be for women only. It operated in a very deprived area therefore provided a much needed service. Ms Disney reported that the project’s scored a low score and it lacked clear plans and details of their management structure. Moreover it was considered that the project duplicated services already provided by the NHS.

Tower Hamlets Parents Centre. Councillor Asad  had visited the organisation with Officers and considered that it provided a good service, there were a large number of women there from a diverse ethnic background. Ms Disney reported that the project duplicated services already provided by the NHS around health lifestyles. Councillor Asad considered that it provided a well structured programme that was accredited. He considered that the project was well managed yet it duplicated work.

Following this discussion, Members discussed whether the above groups should be supported. Consequently Councillor Asad proposed a number of additional recommendations regarding the need to reconsider their applications which was seconded by Councillor Francis. 

The Chair then moved the recommendations taking into account the amendments and it was:

Resolved

1.         That first year funding from June to end of the financial year 2010 for the ten organisations which have been successful in the commissioning process and met the priorities agreed by Cabinet on 2^nd December 2010 be agreed.  Funding for subsequent year will be subject to budget;

2.         That the overall budget be reduced by 10% and from this balance:

The Berner Estate Tenants Association be awarded proportionate  funding for Year 1 (9 months) and an award of £5,000 for Year 2 of the agreement subject to compliance with the funding criteria.

3.         That Officers be requested to circulate to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Panel copies of the following organisations applications:

·                    Tower Hamlets Parents Centre

·                    Children’s Education Group

·                    Brune Bernard Carter Community Centre (BBC Elderly Services)

4.         That on receipt of this information Officers in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Panel be authorised to determine whether their applications should be accommodated in the budget subject to compliance with the funding criteria.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR ADULTS HEALTH AND WELLBEING (H. TAYLOR)

Service Head, Commissioning Manager, Older People, Adults Health and Wellbeing. 

Commissioning Manager, Older People Adults Health and Wellbeing (B. Disney)