Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Programme Manager – Communities.

The Programme Manager – Communities presented the report recommending awards to be made to five community organisations in this third round of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)/Grass Roots Grants funding. Members were updated on the projects recommended for capital and revenue funding. The revenue funding grants would be for a period of 12 months. From the grant applications received there were two that were not recommended for approval these were art based and not community led and another which was deferred for further work on its application.

In response to a Member, the Programme Manager – Communities commented that the grants were advertised in the Exeter Citizen, through community networks and promoted by local Councillors. It was acknowledged that more work was needed to promote the grants available to smaller community groups and to give support to enable them to apply for this funding. It was anticipated that once the ‘Community Builders’ were in position they would be able to provide some of the promotion of the grants and some support in making applications.

Councillor Owen, having given notice under Standing Order no.44, spoke on this item. He welcomed the funding for the Exeter St James Community Trust to help the regeneration of Queen’s Crescent Garden. This garden would benefit all the community of St James and the wider residents of Exeter. The monies would be used to complete the renewal of some of the major infrastructure including wall, railings and paths.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Sport and Communities supported the recommendations and welcomed the introduction of Community Builders. He continued that it was important that the smaller and new community groups were offered training in how to get their organisations started and to enable them to apply for funding.

Members welcomed the recommendations whilst acknowledging that support was needed to those smaller and new community groups to enable them to apply for funding which could unlock other match funding sources.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the recommendation made by the Grass Roots Grants Panel which met on the 6 September 2017 to support the following applications:-

(1)        Wonford Community Learning Centre – Exeter Parent Carer project – Community Collaboration grant of £6,913.07;

(2)        Digby Community Association – Community Action Project grant of £11,000;

(3)        Exeter St James Community Trust – Community Action Capital grant of £42,500  and Revenue grant of £7,500;

(4)        Exeter Community Centre Trust Ltd – Community Action Capital grant of £50,000; and

(5)        Estuary League of Friends – Community Action Capital grant of £50,000.