The Chair introduced the item and following this the Corporate Director Resources advised Members that:

• The report concerned performance of projects in receipt of MSG funding in the period July – September 2017.
• The data reported was affected by outstanding premises issues and some monitoring returns not submitted.
• The Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel met on 8^th December 2017 to consider red and amber rated projects.
• The recommendations are made on the basis of the follow up work carried out following the Panel’s meeting.
• A community building review arising from the decision on 10 July 2017 that the process and criteria for reduced rent for community buildings should be extended to all council buildings as set out at 3.13 of the report identified a number of organisations which fell within the scope of the review.  It was proposed that payments to these organisations should continue until the review concludes.
• Pollyanna Training Theatre had made a significant variation request; this had been considered by the Mainstream Grants Spotlight Review Panel.
• Other boroughs’ CVS organisations were extending their activities beyond their own borough boundaries.

The Sub Committee noted the written comments of GSSC.

Councillor Begum abstained from the decision relating to Recommendation 3.

The Sub Committee discussed the significant service variation request from Pollyanna Training Theatre and felt that more they could not support the request on the basis of the evidence provided.  They asked for more information around how the project would engage with wider community and in particular BAME community.

RESOLVED

Recommendation 1 - Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association

That it be agreed that:

·         Payment be suspended to the Culloden Bangladeshi Parents Association until financial concerns regarding spend are resolved by the organisation.

·         Once resolved, that the Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Executive Mayor, be delegated authority to release payment for this period - subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 2 – Our Base

That it be agreed that:

·         The Council explore whether a license for the use of the premises will be more appropriate then a lease.

·         That the outstanding lease/premises issues be resolved before funds can be released to Our Base.

Recommendation 3 – Pollyanna Training Theatre

That in recognition of Pollyanna Training Theatre’s willingness to enter into a property agreement with the Council, that payment be released to the organisation subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 4 – Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation (Use of Various Schools)

·         That in acknowledgment that booking forms have been submitted for the Hub Club Programme and Stepping Stones Programme, payment be released subject to satisfactory performance.

·         That payment continues to be suspended for the Active Families project until premises and performance related issues are resolved.

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

That payment be paid to the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, Black Women’s Health and Family Support, Age UK and Tower hamlets Community Transport whilst the Community Building Review – Extended Scope is concluded, subject to satisfactory performance.

Recommendation 8 – Significant Variation Request from Polly Anna Training Theatre

That the significant variation for the Pollyanna Training Theatre in relation to the following decision be approved:

·         The request for a reduction in the number of BAME beneficiaries from 53% to 33% be deferred pending further information

·         A reduction in the number of new starters for periods 9 &10 from 20 starters to 10 starters and in period 11 reduced from 10 starters to 7 starters.

·         A match funding budget, from the organisation, for the project.  The proposed match funding budget for the project of £5,060 will lead to an overall project budget of £33,059.  The match funding budget will be 15.3% of the total revised budget.

Recommendation 9 – MSG Extension

That it be agreed that the Council continue with the co-production of the new Community Commissioning programme, including a commitment to co-produce infrastructure support to the Voluntary and Community Sector.