Issue - meetings

1.     That the outcomes achieved as a result of the Strategic and Priority Outcome fund allocations in 2019/20 be noted.

2.     That the small grant programme continues to be operated in the new style of an interactive grant panel, involving ward councillors.

3.     That delegated authority be given to Corporate Head of Engagement in consultation with the Cabinet Member to make minor revision and improvement to the grant award process and priorities for the Small Grants and Crowd Funding to ensure these remain accessible, effective and responsive to changing needs and issues that may arise over the course of a funding period.

Councillor Prince introduced the report and drew attention to the grants awarded to strategic and priority funds as set out in paragraphs 11.2 – 11.8 of the report.  He also highlighted the smalls grant programme and the grants funding platform and the impact of Covid.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Miller and Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Miller

Acknowledged that the Council was fortunate to be still operating a grants scheme as nationally, many Councils had stopped.  He noted that with exception of the smalls grants programme, grants were predominantly Winchester town based.  He requested increased promotion of the availability of grants across the whole district.

Councillor Horrill

Overall welcomed the grants programme and the involvement of ward councillors in the small grants allocations, however disagreed that ongoing schemes should always be prioritised over one-off grants.  Requested that the programme recommence as soon as possible and that communications on the availability of small grants should be improved.  Specifically queried ongoing intentions towards grants for the Theatre Royal Winchester and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Councillor Prince and the Corporate Head of Engagement responded to comments made, including noting the suggestions regarding improvements to communications.  The situation with regard to the Theatre was being monitored closely with regular contact maintained.

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the

report.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the outcomes achieved as a result of the Strategic and Priority Outcome fund allocations in 2019/20 be noted.

2.            That the small grant programme continues to be operated in the new style of an interactive grant panel, involving ward councillors.

3.            That delegated authority be given to Corporate Head of Engagement in consultation with the Cabinet Member to make minor revision and improvement to the grant award process and priorities for the Small Grants and Crowd Funding to ensure these remain accessible, effective and responsive to changing needs and issues that may arise over the course of a funding period.