Steve Hill, Head of Benefits Services presented the report and addendum which provided performance updates for Period 6 (Januaryto March 2017)covering projects performance rated Red andAmber.  An addendum was tabled to reflect the most up-to-date position on the projects and this information was also provided verbally to GSSC on 3^rd May 2017.

 

The comments of Grants Scrutiny Sub Committee were noted. 

The Chair:

• noted the property updates provided verbally by the Business Support Manager on behalf of the Divisional Director for Property and Major Projects
• recommended that discussions to regularise property arrangements for all projects should be pursued so that all anomalies may be resolved.
• agreed to receive comments at the meeting from representatives of Wadajir project, Tower Hamlets CVS and Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum  relating to property matters.

 

On the basis of the rationale provided in the report against each of the areas reported, the Sub Committee agreed the following recommendations:

 

DECISION

 

1. That the following funding decisions which relate to property issues be agreed:

 

Recommendation 1

That grant funding continue to be suspended until confirmation that Children Education Group have entered into the lease agreement.

 

Recommendation 2

That, as detailed in the 14^th March 2017 Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee, payment of grants be suspended as no confirmation of property arrangements has been received from the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club by the 9^th May 2017.

 

Recommendation 3

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane and) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Black Women’s Health and Family Support, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

 

Recommendation 4

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Age UK East London, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 5 

That,

a)    in view of the ongoing work relating to premises issues and ongoing review of arrangements of Pollyanna Training Theatre, no payments be made and the project be Red rated until the satisfactory outcome of the review (including premises arrangements).

b)    in the event that the review is concluded satisfactorily and in light of underperformance in respect of the project beneficiaries discussed at Grants Spotlight Review Panel on 28^th April 2017, performance then be Amber rated.

 

Recommendation 6

That MSG payments continue to be suspended to Our Base LTD until an appropriate property agreement is in place.  That the organisation be given until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (20^th June 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

 

Recommendation 7

That, since the process for preparing a licence is underway, MSG payments to Family Action continue to be paid monthly in arrears pending the appropriate premises agreement being signed.

 

 

2.    That the following funding decisions, which concern issues arising from an audit of premises agreements relating to buildings in which the Council has an interest, be agreed:

 

Recommendation 8

That, MSG payment continues to be paid to the Legal Advice Centre whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are offered to the organisation, given that the Legal Advice Centre had an existing lease and discussions on the lease between the Council and the organisation have just commenced.

 

Recommendation 9

That,

a)    given that Tower Hamlets Community Transport had an existing lease and the Council has yet to commence liaison with the organisation on premises issues arising from the audit, MSG payment continues to be paid whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are offered to the organisation.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting on 20^th June 2017.

 

Recommendation 10

That:

a)    Since Wadajir are waiting for a resolution between the Teviot Community Hall TRA and Council concerning permission for Wadajir to hire the facilities, that MSG payment continues to be paid whilst discussions take place between the council and the TRA on the use of the Teviot Community Hall.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 11

That:

a)    MSG payment continues to be paid to ‘Splash; whilst discussions take place between the Council and the St Vincent’s Porta-cabin TRA on the shared use of the premises.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 12

That:

a)    given the spread of premises used by Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation across the borough, MSG payment continues to be paid whilst the organisation gathers appropriate premises agreements form the various venues from which they deliver.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 13

That given the successful conclusion of the City Gateway project delivered at Harford Street Multicentre on 31 March 2017, the final payment of MSG be released to City Gateway on production of the booking form for the premises.

 

Recommendation 14

That:

MSG payments be released for this quarter to Community of Refugees from Vietnam - East London – Home School Liaison Project but the organisation be advised that a completed booking form for the use of the Aberfeldy Centre must be provided before the next Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub Committee meeting on 20^th June 2017, or future MSG payments will be suspended until a completed booking form is provided.

 

Recommendation 15

That:

a)   Given, the lease renewal is at an advanced stage, MSG payments to Citizens Advice Bureau(CAB) be released for this quarter but

b)   the CAB must provide a completed lease before the next Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub Committee meeting or their future MSG payments will be suspended until the lease is signed.

 

 

3.    That the following decisions relating to performance matters be agreed:

 

Recommendation 16 –

That:

a)    it be noted that the following organisations have submitted late performance monitoring returns for Period 6, however their returns have been evaluated and Green performance rated.

Teviot British Bangladeshi Association (TBBA)

Island House Community Centre (three projects)

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre

Betar Bangla Ltd

b)    that it be noted that Our Base LTD have suspended project delivery and for this reason be Red performance rated.

c)    that it be noted that Osmani Trust - Saathi Family Support Programme submitted a late return and have performance issues that require further work, their performance be Red rated

d)    it be noted that the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club failed to submit a performance monitoring return for Period 6 within deadline and as a consequence their performance be Red rated.

e.  that the above three organisations be Red rated and MSG payments be suspended.

 

Recommendation 17

That having received subsequent confirmation that the Princes Trust have achieved getting four participants into work and in so doing have thereby achieved their performance target for the quarter; the Princes Trust be Green rated for performance for Period 6 and receive the appropriate grant payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 18

In light of Toynbee Hall’s engagement with the Council regarding performance and their confirming delivery of five workshops already in the current quarter together with five more planned before the end of quarter 7, it is agreed that Toynbee Hall be Amber rated for this project and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 19

That in acknowledgment of current performance and subsequent engagement with the Council in this regard, the Green Candle Dance Company be Amber rated for performance and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 20

That The Somali Parents and Play Association – Somali Women Engagement project, in acknowledgement of their engagement with the Council in regard to performance and subsequent Green performance rating, be awarded their final quarterly payment less £417.49 in respect of the project underspend as the project as now concluded.

 

Recommendation 21

That it be noted that the debtor issue reported in the main report concerning Routeways to Employment and Welfare Advice Services – Bromley By Bow Centre has been resolved.  Bromley by Bow Centre is Green performance rated and therefore the organisation will receive their full MSG payment for the quarter.

 

Recommendation 22

That in acknowledgement of the engagement with the Council on 28 April 2017, Grants Spotlight Review panel considered the significant variation request in relation to the proposed reduction in delivery to beneficiaries, as the panel concluded that the request required further work before it could be brought to Grants Determination Sub-Committee, it be agreed that Cubitt Town Bangladeshi Cultural Association be Amber rated for performance for Period 6, pending the outcome of their significant variation request and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure for this quarter.

 

4.  That the following decisions relating to significant variation requests be agreed:

 

Recommendation 23

That the Bromley by Bow Centre grant agreement be varied to remove the requirement for evening and weekend advice sessions in response to customer demand. 

 

Recommendation 24:

That, following engagement with the Council on 28 April 2017, the variation request to retrospectively increase fees from £5 to £6 in respect of The Half Moon Young Peoples Theatre project be agreed and the grant agreement be varied accordingly.

 

 

Steve Hill, Head of Benefits Services presented the report and addendum which provided performance updates for Period 6 (Januaryto March 2017)covering projects performance rated Red andAmber.  An addendum was tabled to reflect the most up-to-date position on the projects and this information was also provided verbally to GSSC on 3^rd May 2017.

 

The comments of GSSC in relation to premises issues and late submission of performance data were noted. 

The Chair:

• noted the property updates provided verbally by the Business Support Manager on behalf of the Divisional Director for Property and Major Projects
• recommended that discussions to regularise property arrangements for all projects should be pursued so that all anomalies may be resolved.
• agreed to receive comments at the meeting from representatives of Wadajir project, Tower Hamlets CVS and Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum relating to property matters.

 

On the basis of the rationale provided in the report against each of the areas reported, the Sub Committee agreed the following recommendations:

 

RESOLVED

 

1. That the following funding decisions which relate to property issues be agreed:

 

Recommendation 1

That grant funding continue to be suspended until confirmation that Children Education Group have entered into the lease agreement.

 

Recommendation 2

That, as detailed in the 14^th March 2017 Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee, payment of grants be suspended as no confirmation of property arrangements has been received from the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club by the 9^th May 2017.

 

Recommendation 3

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane and) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Black Women’s Health and Family Support, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

 

Recommendation 4

That (in acknowledgement of the developments for 82 Russia Lane) whilst the revised Heads of Terms are devised and sent to Age UK East London, the quarterly MSG payments continue to be paid quarterly in advance, subject to satisfactory MSG performance ratings.

Recommendation 5 

That,

a)    in view of the ongoing work relating to premises issues and ongoing review of arrangements of Pollyanna Training Theatre, no payments be made and the project be Red rated until the satisfactory outcome of the review (including premises arrangements).

b)    in the event that the review is concluded satisfactorily and in light of underperformance in respect of the project beneficiaries discussed at Grants Spotlight Review Panel on 28^th April 2017, performance then be Amber rated.

 

Recommendation 6

That MSG payments continue to be suspended to Our Base LTD until an appropriate property agreement is in place.  That the organisation be given until the next Grants Determination Sub Committee (GDSC) meeting (20^th June 2017) to confirm their intention of entering into an appropriate agreement, at market rate.

 

Recommendation 7

That, since the process for preparing a licence is underway, MSG payments to Family Action continue to be paid monthly in arrears pending the appropriate premises agreement being signed.

 

 

2.    That the following funding decisions, which concern issues arising from an audit of premises agreements relating to buildings in which the Council has an interest, be agreed:

 

Recommendation 8

That, MSG payment continues to be paid to the Legal Advice Centre whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are offered to the organisation, given that the Legal Advice Centre had an existing lease and discussions on the lease between the Council and the organisation have just commenced.

 

Recommendation 9

That,

a)    given that Tower Hamlets Community Transport had an existing lease and the Council has yet to commence liaison with the organisation on premises issues arising from the audit, MSG payment continues to be paid whilst the survey is undertaken and revised Heads of Terms are offered to the organisation.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting on 20^th June 2017.

 

Recommendation 10

That:

a)    Since Wadajir are waiting for a resolution between the Teviot Community Hall TRA and Council concerning permission for Wadajir to hire the facilities, that MSG payment continues to be paid whilst discussions take place between the council and the TRA on the use of the Teviot Community Hall.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 11

That:

a)    MSG payment continues to be paid to ‘Splash; whilst discussions take place between the Council and the St Vincent’s Porta-cabin TRA on the shared use of the premises.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 12

That:

a)    given the spread of premises used by Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation across the borough, MSG payment continues to be paid whilst the organisation gathers appropriate premises agreements form the various venues from which they deliver.

b)    it be noted that a further update will be provided at the June Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting.

 

Recommendation 13

That given the successful conclusion of the City Gateway project delivered at Harford Street Multicentre on 31 March 2017, the final payment of MSG be released to City Gateway on production of the booking form for the premises.

 

Recommendation 14

That:

MSG payments be released for this quarter to Community of Refugees from Vietnam - East London – Home School Liaison Project but the organisation be advised that a completed booking form for the use of the Aberfeldy Centre must be provided before the next Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub Committee meeting on 20^th June 2017, or future MSG payments will be suspended until a completed booking form is provided.

 

Recommendation 15

That:

a)   Given, the lease renewal is at an advanced stage, MSG payments to Citizens Advice Bureau(CAB) be released for this quarter but

b)   the CAB must provide a completed lease before the next Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub Committee meeting or their future MSG payments will be suspended until the lease is signed.

 

 

3.    That the following decisions relating to performance matters be agreed:

 

Recommendation 16 –

That:

a)    it be noted that the following organisations have submitted late performance monitoring returns for Period 6, however their returns have been evaluated and Green performance rated.

Teviot British Bangladeshi Association (TBBA)

Island House Community Centre (three projects)

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre

Betar Bangla Ltd

b)    that it be noted that Our Base LTD have suspended project delivery and for this reason be Red performance rated.

c)    that it be noted that Osmani Trust - Saathi Family Support Programme submitted a late return and have performance issues that require further work, their performance be Red rated

d)    it be noted that the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club failed to submit a performance monitoring return for Period 6 within deadline and as a consequence their performance be Red rated.

e.  that the above three organisations be Red rated and MSG payments be suspended.

 

Recommendation 17

That having received subsequent confirmation that the Princes Trust have achieved getting four participants into work and in so doing have thereby achieved their performance target for the quarter; the Princes Trust be Green rated for performance for Period 6 and receive the appropriate grant payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 18

In light of Toynbee Hall’s engagement with the Council regarding performance and their confirming delivery of five workshops already in the current quarter together with five more planned before the end of quarter 7, it is agreed that Toynbee Hall be Amber rated for this project and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 19

That in acknowledgment of current performance and subsequent engagement with the Council in this regard, the Green Candle Dance Company be Amber rated for performance and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure.

 

Recommendation 20

That The Somali Parents and Play Association – Somali Women Engagement project, in acknowledgement of their engagement with the Council in regard to performance and subsequent Green performance rating, be awarded their final quarterly payment less £417.49 in respect of the project underspend as the project as now concluded.

 

Recommendation 21

That it be noted that the debtor issue reported in the main report concerning Routeways to Employment and Welfare Advice Services – Bromley By Bow Centre has been resolved.  Bromley by Bow Centre is Green performance rated and therefore the organisation will receive their full MSG payment for the quarter.

 

Recommendation 22

That in acknowledgement of the engagement with the Council on 28 April 2017, Grants Spotlight Review panel considered the significant variation request in relation to the proposed reduction in delivery to beneficiaries, as the panel concluded that the request required further work before it could be brought to Grants Determination Sub-Committee, it be agreed that Cubitt Town Bangladeshi Cultural Association be Amber rated for performance for Period 6, pending the outcome of their significant variation request and receive two thirds payment in accordance with procedure for this quarter.

 

4.  That the following decisions relating to significant variation requests be agreed:

 

Recommendation 23

That the Bromley by Bow Centre grant agreement be varied to remove the requirement for evening and weekend advice sessions in response to customer demand. 

 

Recommendation 24:

That, following engagement with the Council on 28 April 2017, the variation request to retrospectively increase fees from £5 to £6 in respect of The Half Moon Young Peoples Theatre project be agreed and the grant agreement be varied accordingly.