Agenda item

To provide the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.

 

i)             1^st Lee on the Solent Scout Group

 

The applicant explained that the toilets used by the Scouts and all the groups that hire the building are no longer fit for purpose and require rebuilding. Members were reminded that although GBC owns the land, the building and the responsibility for upkeep falls to the Scouts.

 

In answer to a Members question, regarding an increase in quoted costs,the applicant explained that they would have to look at every aspect of the costs to see where savings could be made including project managing themselves. Hire costs would be increased to add to the groups contribution to the project.

 

Officers explained that any successful applicant signs a document to declare that should the project remain unfulfilled or abandoned, the grant would have to be returned.

 

Members agreed to award £5,000

 

ii)            The Repair Café

 

Members were advised that a large proportion of items being brought to the group for repair are electrical and the insurers are now insisting that they are all PAT tested. The grant would be used to purchase the necessary machine, as the organisation they normally borrow from has to move premises and put their equipment into storage.

 

The applicant advise that they were going to run a number of events away from their premises to take their repair facility into the community. The Chairman agreed to help promote the first event at Fort Brockhurst.

 

Members agreed to award £375

 

iii)           Y Services

 

Members were advised that Y Services were a youth charity that had been in the Elson area for 13 years providing support and a safe place in which to develop coping skills and confidence.

 

In answer to a Members question, the applicant explained that they would be increasing the amount of campaigns on Facebook and other social media platforms, and visiting more schools to increase outreach. There would be a programme of one off activities to encourage new members.

 

The applicant explained that the grant would be used towards public liabilities insurance and developing a service to record and evidence outcomes.

 

Members agreed to award £1,200

 

iv)           C2U

 

The applicant explained that very few local groups now put on Santa’s grottos. Last year they attracted 3,000 children and were hoping for 5,000 this year. The money raised is used to support the warm hub.

 

Members were advised that although visitors are asked for a £1 donation many would not be able to afford this, and therefore this does not yield enough to cover the costs.

 

In answer to a Members question the applicant explained that the grant would pay for the building of the sleigh, which would be a non repeatable cost.

 

Members advised the applicant to try various ways to get the toys/gifts donated by the community and businesses, and to find tradesmen who would offer materials and time for nothing.

 

Members agreed not to make an award

 

v)            Lee on the Solent Community Association

 

Members were advised that the Association had been going for 40 plus years and had over 1200 members. Its premises were used by 27 different groups and as a polling station.

 

In answer to a Members question, the applicant explained that although cheaper chairs were available, they felt it was a false economy and wanted to buy something that would not need to be replaced in 10 years’ time.

 

Members advised the applicant to be mindful of having a variety of chairs suitable for all shaped and sizes. The applicant felt this might not be possible when purchasing mass produced chairs and not bespoke.

 

Members agreed to award £3,000

 

vi)           Menopause Together Gosport

 

Members were advised that the group had been formed 2 years ago and was run by volunteers providing support and a safe space to share experiences and pass on tips. The group, that has 400 followers on Facebook, distributes leaflets which now incur a cost, and lend books as well as meeting twice a month inviting guest speakers.

 

The applicant provided survey results that showed the impact and outcomes of membership of the group.

 

Members agreed to award £1,202

 

vii)         Lee Hub Independent Community Library

 

Members were advised that the Hub had experienced terrible issues with damp which had ruined the previous decorating, and had necessitated the walls to be treated, plastered and redecorated.

 

The applicant explained that the amount of grant requested had been reduced as some of the work had already been carried out.

 

Members agreed to award £1,122

 

viii)        Gosport Borough Cricket Club Football Club

 

Members were advised that the football team had been formed to retain the connectivity of the cricket team and to help with physical and mental health over the winter. It also meant that the pavilion would be in use year round.

 

In answer to a Members question, the applicant explained that the grant would cover kit and footballs.

 

The Chairman advise the applicant to explore the possibility of a grant from the capital budget and asked officers to liaise.

 

Members agreed to award £1,000

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

 

Considered the applications in the report and agreed:

 

1.    A grant of £5,000 to be paid to the 1^st Lee on the Solent Scout Group

2.    A grant of £375 to be paid to The Repair Café

3.    A grant of £1,200 to be paid Y Services

4.    No grant to be paid to C2U

5.    A grant of £3,000 to be paid to the Lee on the Solent Community Association

6.    A grant of £1,202 to be paid to Menopause Together Gosport

7.    A grant of £1,122 to be paid to Lee Hub Independent Community Library

8.    A grant of £1,000 to be paid Gosport Borough Cricket club Football club