Decision details

8.1

Local Area Committees (LACs) were established by Full Council in May 2021. Their Terms of Reference are set out in Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution and include:

·       To agree a Community Plan setting priorities for the area of the committee, monitor delivery of that plan and keep it under review; and

·       To make decisions relating to funding as delegated from time to time by the Council to fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.

8.2

To enable decisions to be taken quickly and to respond to emerging issues between Committee meetings, in September 2021 the South West LAC authorised the Community Services Manager to make decisions on expenditure provided that:

·       The decision is taken in consultation with the Local Area Committee Chair;

·       Spending is in line with any specific purposes of the allocated budget; • The decision may not approve expenditure of more than £5,000, and

·       A report detailing the delegated spending decisions taken by the Community Services Manager is presented to the Local Area Committee meeting.

8.2

RESOLVED:  [That the South Local Area Committee

·       Notes the further expenditure up to the £5,000 delegated authority limit. Agrees the further project expenditure over £5,000, as detailed in the report:

a)    £6,300 for work with the Lowedges community.

b)    £10,000 is proposed to support Heeley City Farm with their plan to revitalise and re-build its dementia garden;

c)    £6,700 is proposed to support the revitalisation of Highfield Play area.

·       Agrees the reallocation of £14,000 underspend from the 2022-23 budget to £3500 per ward to support local street art projects as outlined in the report.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

The South LAC is asked to note the use of funding under its delegated powers and agree the further expenditure outlined in the report, which will help to address local priorities within the South LAC Community Plan.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

The LAC could choose not to allocate budgets at this stage and through its delegated authority, but this would delay local projects and facilities for local communities.