Agenda item
Faith Buildings Support Scheme - Verbal Report
Minutes:
Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, gave a short oral report which provide an overview of the Community Faith Buildings Support Scheme (‘the Scheme’) and highlighted related key points including: the nature/ objectives of the scheme, process/ timescales, criteria and assessment/ decision making process for grant funding under the scheme, and progress to date. Dave Clark, Acting Service Head Resources – Development and Renewal, was also in attendance for this item.
A discussion followed which focused on the following points:-
· Dr Rice, Church of England Diocese Representative, whilst welcoming the direction of travel for Round 1 of the Scheme, sought clarification as to lessons learned for Round 2, and relayed concern expressed in the faith community regarding governance of the scheme and historic/ heritage aspects to it. Historic or heritage endowed buildings resulted in a slower application process due to the number of specialists and commissions involved, and there was a perception that the timeline for the scheme was too rushed to accommodate this, and as a result faith organisations such as the Church of England who had a lot of such buildings felt disadvantaged. Councillor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, responded that the scheme was not rushed but reflected consideration given so that it delivered for all. The Scheme comprised of 2 rounds and different streams and the bidding round for Type B applications, which were those of greater complexity or cost (£75-300k) had been delayed to accommodate such concerns. The Council had endeavoured to accommodate the administrative process for all faiths. Officers added that the Type C application stream aimed to support those organisations needing to obtain specialist advice and prepare complex detailed proposals for capital costs. Type A and C applications were well subscribed to by churches.
· Clarification sought and given as to the timeline for decisions on Round 1 applications for FBSS grant [March/ April 2013]. Consideration also that once the decisions had been made it would be helpful to see a list of applications and an analysis of the amounts given by faith group, community group and geographical location. An anonymised analysis of type A and C applications to be provided.
· Concern expressed regarding the transparency of the information around the Scheme and the steps taken to publicise it. Clarification sought and given as to where information about the scheme could be accessed. Consideration that transparency regarding the scoring of Round 1 applications would be beneficial for all in Round 2.There had been a scheme launch and feature in East End Life and details had been communicated to 800 stakeholders through the “GIFTs” system. The narrative/ process were on the Council website with the Third Sector Team available to respond to queries.
· In the context of a further £1 million of funding being allocated to the Scheme within the Council’s recently agreed 2013/14 Budget, clarification sought on Scheme timescales and funding criteria (the requirements for refurbishment and community service delivery associated with grant). Eligibility criteria were set out in the Cabinet report approving the Scheme and had been circulated with application forms.
· Consideration that there were perceptions in the community regarding the transparency and fairness of the Scheme, relayed by a community representative at this meeting, raised at the Inter-Faith Forum, and relayed to Members by constituents; and there was therefore an onus on Councillor Choudhury to address this. Councillor Choudhury responded that the Inter-Faith Forum and its Chair had been consulted on the process and associated information, however he was happy for transparent information to be provided; and it was agreed in this context that the Council meet with those organisations including faith groups who had questions and concerns.
The Chair Moved and it was:-
Resolved
The update on the Faith Buildings Support Scheme be noted.
Action by:
Dave Clark, Acting Corporate Director Resources Development and Renewal