Steve Hill (Head of Benefits), Robert Mee (Interim Voluntary & Community Sector Team Manager) and David Freeman (Voluntary and Community  Sector Strategy Manager) presented the MSG performance report for July 2018 to August 2018. 

There were 112 live projects in this period. Of these, three were rated red for performance.  All three related to the Tower Hamlets Youth Sports Foundation (THYSF) and concerned outstanding premises agreements. Officers had contacted the THYSF to confirm details of premises usage. It was anticipated that the recommendations in the report  would enable the issues to be concluded.

There was also one amber project - Wadajir Somali Community Centre – Homework Club.  Officers had worked with this group to agree the recommendation as set out in the report. Officers and the TH Youth Service supported the recommendation.

The third recommendation related to the Tower Hamlets Community Transport (THCT), seeking grant funding for a three year period to cover loan repayments for replacement vehicles.  Officers outlined the reasons for this request and the need to replace the ageing fleet to meet emissions requirements given the introduction of the ULEZ.  Officers also advised of the reasons why the option of moving to electric powered vehicles could not at this stage be pursued on the grounds of conflict with the weight restrictions for passenger vehicles driven by volunteers – the weight of which exceeded the regulations.

The Chair of the GSSC reported feedback on their consideration of the item. The Committee discussed the recommendation regarding the Wadajir Somali Community Centre. They were satisfied with the efforts to encourage more boys to take up the provision.  Regarding THCT, they discussed the possibility of purchasing electric vehicles (as outlined above) and the exceptional circumstances justifying the proposal. The GSSC also asked questions about the reporting periods. The GSCC were satisfied with the responses received and supported the recommendations. 

In response to these points, Officers confirmed that they would update the key achievements column in the appendix of the report to reflect the period’s achievements and publish this on the website. It was also noted that a report setting out project performance over a three year period would be submitted to the May meeting of the GSDC, highlighting the outcomes of projects.

The Mayor then invited GDSC Members to comment on the report. Members asked questions about the opportunity costs of providing funding for the replacement vehicles and noted details of the grant arrangements. THCT had produced a business plan providing details regarding their ability to increase their income to enable them to meet their obligations regarding the loan and to invest in more vehicles.

Members also asked questions about the option of ‘hybrid’ electric powered vehicles and noted that the same advice applied to such vehicles as with electric vehicles, with regard to exceeding weight restrictions.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the significant variation to the Wadajir Somali Community Centre project be agreed to replace the existing boys provision with additional provision for girls. This will move the performance rating to Green and will enable approval of the outstanding payments.

2.         That THYSF be provided with a deadline of 31st March 2019 to supply any further premises agreements held by the organisation and not yet made available to the council, in respect of MSG activities for all three THYSF projects.  In the event that no further evidence or information is supplied by 1st April 2019, as premises conditions are not met, no further release of grant funding relating to the active period will be considered. 

In the event that THYSF provide satisfactory evidence to enable consideration for funding to be released, this must be agreed with approval via delegated authority of the Corporate Director Resources and/or the Divisional Director, Finance, Procurement and Audit after consultation with the Executive Mayor.  Any sums approved will be used to facilitate an orderly close down of THYSF and in settlement of identified payments.  

3.         That the Sub Committee agree a grant to Tower Hamlets Community Transport (THCT) of £30,000 per annum for three years from 1 April 2019 towards the cost of loan repayments to the Social Investment Business (SIB) East London Impact Fund subject to the Council’s standard grant conditions.  The funding will only be released on receipt of a copy of the signed loan agreement between THCT and SIB. 

4.         That the Corporate Director Resources be  authorised to execute any agreements and other documentation relating to the grant in respect of resolution 3 above.