Issue - meetings

Report requesting a one-off contribution to sustain the Borough’s VCS Infrastructure.

Members were asked to consider making a one-off contribution (proportionate to the number of direct beneficiaries within the Hinckley area) of £3,600 to sustain the borough’s Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Infrastructure Organisation to the end of this financial year.

The Committee acknowledged the valuable work of the VCS and of the Council’s Strategic Community Planning Officer, and was pleased that the Executive had agreed to support the funding request that had previously been requested of this committee of £15,000. Members were pleased to hear that the funding already granted had enabled Next Generation in its capacity as the VCS infrastructure organisation of Hinckley and Bosworth to continue, and had enabled them to put in place arrangements to secure an income stream, to ensure future sustainability.

In relation to the requested funding contribution from Hinckley Area Committee of £3,600, concern was expressed that all residents would already be paying a contribution to the VCS through the borough precept of the council tax via the general fund, and those living in the Hinckley special expenses area would then be paying again via the special expenses area precept, which would be unfair. It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Cope and

RESOLVED – the requested funding be refused.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction) in relation to a request for a one off payment to sustain the Borough’s VCS Infrastructure Organisation.

Members received a report which sought funding for the Hinckley & Bosworth Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) arrangements. The valuable work of the organisation was outlined and acknowledged by members.

Members, however, suggested that the money should be funded from the Borough Council’s general fund, rather than from the special expenses area budget, due to the nature of the organisation. It was also noted that the special expenses budget had to retain a reserve of 10%, which was equivalent to £57,422, so this request would need a supplementary budget to be agreed by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction). Members were not supportive of the further erosion of reserves.

It was moved by Councillor Bill and seconded by Councillor Lynch that the work carried out by the Voluntary & Community Sector be recognised but the request for funding be refused and referred to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) for consideration as a funding request from the general fund.

Concern was expressed regarding the timescales, but members were reassured that the process of consideration by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) would not cause any delays. A member suggested that the cost to fund the Voluntary & Community Infrastructure Organisation was not a large sum and could be supported by the Borough Council’s general fund.

It was moved by Councillor Bill, seconded by Councillor Lynch and

RESOLVED – the work carried out by the VCS be recognised and commended and the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction) be RECOMMENDED to meet the requested one-off payment of £15,000 from the general fund.