Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support submitted a report that reviewed grant allocations and achievements for the period 1 April to 30 September 2013. 

Members were reminded that community grants were designed to take forward the Council’s people, place and prosperity objectives.  The grants also helped support the East Herts Sustainable Community Strategy and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Members were referred to paragraphs 1.5 and 1.6 of the report for a budget update for 2013/14.  Paragraph 2.1 demonstrated a success rate of 91% in respect of applications for capital and revenue grants.

Members were given a detailed breakdown of activity in all funding areas from small community to large capital grants, as well as community engagement activity.  Officers indicated that applicants were strongly encouraged to become affiliated to ‘lead bodies’ for advice and additional support.

Members commented on the importance of East Herts Sports Clubs co-ordinating with the work of the Community Sports Network.  Councillor N Symonds praised the work of the Broxbourne and East Herts Community Voluntary Service (CVS).

The Committee was then reminded of the East Herts Fund for the Future set up by a former Councillor, the late Derek Mayes.

Jonathan Aves, Director of the Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF), gave a presentation in respect of the East Herts Fund for the Future.  The presentation included a background of the work of the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and also the issue of old ‘dormant’ funds which could be revived for current use.

Councillor R Beeching commented on the work of very local community charities in East Herts and explored how the East Herts Fund for the Future could be of assistance.  Several questions were raised regarding the legal and audit framework of the HCF and how East Herts Council might consider the opportunity to develop the East Herts Fund for the Future and provide a more sustainable legacy for local residents.

The Committee received the report and thanked the Grants Officer and Administrator for their hard work over the past year.

RESOLVED – that (A) the progress being made to allocate grants according to agreed policies and areas of interest for grant support, as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’, be noted;

(B)   the implications of closer Member involvement with the East Herts Fund for the Future be explored to ensure the legacy continues to operate for the greater benefit of residents in East Herts; and

(C)   Officers explore the legal, financial and audit implications of closer involvement with the East Herts Fund for the Future.