Agenda and decisions

6.1

In 2021 each LAC was allocated an initial budget of £100,000 to be spent in line with their Community plan. The North Lac Community Plan was agreed in March 2022 and the unspent portion of the £100,000 budget was carried forward to 2022/23.

6.2

It is proposed to develop two new grant funds of £25,000 each to be allocated in 2023/24 from the total LAC budget of £100,000.

The first grant fund is the ‘North LAC Greatest Need fund’. This contributes to the LAC priority of vibrant community life and the goal in the Community Plan of the North becoming a connected place where people can access what they need to play an active part in their community – within this the fund supports the North LAC’s commitment to supporting those in greatest need.

Grants of up to £5000 will be awarded for those proposing projects that address needs facing residents in the North in areas

6.3

The second fund is the ‘North LAC Big Idea Fund’. Grants of up to £5000 will be awarded for those proposing projects that contribute to addressing one of the three LAC priorities:

•       Safe roads and effective transport links

•       Clean and attractive environment

•       Vibrant community life

6.4

It is proposed that the Community Services Manager, in consultation with the LAC Chair, is authorised to finalise the eligibility criteria and make decisions on expenditure relating to the grant applications received. Bids will be assessed by the LAC team and agreed. Applications will be shared with the relevant Ward Members for comment in advance of decisions being taken, and expenditure reported to the next meeting of the LAC.

6.5

RESOLVED: That the North Local Area Committee:-

(1) notes the expenditure against the £100,000 budget to address local priorities in the North LAC in 2022/23, as detailed in the report;

(2) agrees the use of the 2023/24 £100,000 LAC budget as described in the report;

(3) approves the establishment of two new grant funds of £25,000 each from 2023/24 funds, one to address work with those in greatest need and one to encourage innovative ways of working, as described in the report; and

(4) authorises the Community Services Manager, in consultation with the Local Area Committee Chair, to finalise the eligibility criteria and make decisions, following engagement with the relevant Ward Members, on the award of grants of up to £5,000 from the two funds,

6.6

Reasons For Decision

The North LAC is asked to note the use of funding as per the previous decision of September 30th 2021 and agree further expenditure to address the identified local priorities. The approach to the 23/24 budget and new funds proposed provides a strategic and flexible approach to meeting the needs of the North in line with the North community plan

6.7

Alternative Considered And Rejected

This report is in line with the previous decision of September 30th 2021 regarding expenditure below £5000 and the North Community Plan agreed on March 9th 2022. Members  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.