Agenda and minutes

To note any substitution of Board Members made in accordance with Council Procedure Rules.

The following substitution of a Committee Members had been made in accordance with Council Procedure Rules:

Councillor M. Holloway for Councillor L. Chesterman

Councillor F. Marsh for Councillor A. Dennis

Councillor T. Travell for Councillor S. McNamara

Councillor P. Smith for Councillor R. Trigg

To note any apologies.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L. Chesterman, A. Dennis, S. McNamara, and R. Trigg.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2021 (previously circulated).

The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2021 were agreed as a correct record and noted by the Chair.

The Community Partnerships Manager asked Members how they would like to use the remainder of the fund allocation after the Small Community Grants 2021/22 – Round Two had been completed. Officers informed Members of some options such as putting the surplus into the next financial year small community grant funds, earmarking funds for another round with a specific theme or for a civic style award scheme.

Members discussed the issue, and the following points were raised and noted:

·       Members asked if the money would be lost if not used. Officers stated that any surplus could return to the community grant pot if members so wished.

·       Members queried why there had been fewer applications. Officer stated that a new Community Outreach Officer was in place which would hopefully improve engagement with minority groups and increase the number of groups and organisations that would apply in the future.

·       Members proposed a first-time applicant only round. Officers stated this may create a barrier as there is already a surplus. However, Officers could do more to target and prioritise first-time applicants.

·       Members suggested doing something in line with the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

·       Members asked what budget there was for the Queens Jubilee Year. Officers informed that there was no grant money in the budget allocated for that.

·       Members stated they would like to see the funds bring people together through the community aspect of the Jubilee celebrations.

AGREED

1)    The surplus funds would be allocated for a Platinum Jubilee Award with a theme of focussing on bringing communities together.

2)    Organisations would be able to apply for a grant with a value up to a maximum of £2,000.00

The total surplus from the Small Community Grants 2021/22 would be earmarked for this award and any remainder be added to the small community grant for the 2022/23 financial year.

Report of the Head of Community and Housing Strategy detailing the applications for Small Community Grants.

Report of the Head of Community and Housing Strategy which detailed the applications received for Small Community Grants 2021/22 – Round Two.

£50,000 was available to be awarded for the 2021/22 financial year. Following Round One a total of £37,798 was available to be distributed in Round Two of the Small Community Grants 2021/22.

Eight applications had been received for consideration for Round Two of the Small Community Grants 2021/22 totalling £13,760.80. This was the last round of funding for this financial year.

17th Welwyn Garden City Ranger Unit - £401.80

The 17^th Welwyn Garden City Ranger Unit was a Girlguiding group aged 14 – 17 years. The grant money would be used to pay for increase cost of hall hire and the increase in annual subscriptions to Girlguiding HQ. This would allow the organisation to continue to offer the girls good quality activities which were in keeping with the aims of Girlguiding, maintain their interest and develop their skills. 

The following points were noted:

·       Members felt the cause was worthwhile as the scout leaders volunteer and the work they do with the girls was great

·       Members were curious as to why they did not apply for more. Officers stated that sometimes groups do not apply for more if they cannot justify it and fear not receiving any grant.

·       Members asked if they could give more to which Officers replied yes.

·       Members agreed to cover the full cost of the application.

AGREED a grant of £770.00

Birchwood Trust - £2,000

The Birchwood Trust aims are to help relive poverty and provides various ways support to those in the community. The funding would be used to organise paid coach day trips for the families. The families that this organisation supports were low income and benefits with some unable to pay for their own day trips on holidays for their children. The organisation felt the coach trips would promote family well-being.

The following points were noted:

·       Members felt that the work the Trust did was good, and the money would be well spent.

AGREED a grant of £2,000.00

Bushin MMA Club - £1,500

The Club had provided support for young people with a diverse range of ethnicities, abilities and socioeconomic status all of whom benefitted from increased physical and mental health. The Club is seeking to upgrade old safety equipment and be able to supplement other items for club members.

The following points were noted:

·       Members liked that the group was local and was doing good work, notably for women’s safety

AGREED a grant of £1,500.00

Hertfordshire LTA (Tennis Centres) Ltd - £2,000

The community tennis programme aimed to engage with local children from a low socio-economic background who have difficulty accessing sporting provision outside of schools. This would allow the children an opportunity to improve their mental and physical health. The funding would be used for two coaches to run after school tennis sessions for 18 children aged 5 to 8 over a 40-week period.

The following points were noted:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.