Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director (JY)

People Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 26 June 2019 and its comments will be reported. (The appendices were previously circulated to the Scrutiny Committee on the above date).

The Executive received a report, which had already been considered by People Scrutiny Committee on 26 June 2019 and described the public consultation on the proposed Exeter Grants Programme, highlighting feedback themes and proposing a revised grants programme to replace the current core, rent, city and grass roots grants schemes.  Members’ attention was drawn to the detailed minutes of People Scrutiny which had been circulated.

Particular reference was made to the high level of funding which the Council was continuing to offer (approximately £1m per annum out of a total Council budget of £12.5m), against the budgetary pressures it was facing, and that this was a sign of the council’s on-going commitment to working with its communities.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)          Council adopts the proposed Exeter Grants Programme appended to the report presented to the meeting, and allocates a start-up budget of £30,000 from the New Homes Bonus Local Community Reserve to mobilise the new Exeter Grant Programme;

(2)          Council approves the creation of the Exeter City Fund from the sources described and notes that the extensive listening and consultation process has enabled the Council to seek views on spending priorities with regard to the Neighbourhood Portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) 2. This is in line with CIL Regulations 2010 (Regulation 59F) and the underpinning Planning Practice Guidance (PPG Paragraph 73); and

(3)          Council approves the establishment of the Exeter Grants Panel to provide strategic oversight and leadership of the Exeter Grants Programme.