Decision details

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Leader be advised to approve:

(i)                 the proposed framework for prioritisation and allocation of funding as detailed in paragraphs 9 to 12 of the report, as detailed below:

·        The Target Hardening budget will be accessed by ward committees which  require assistance in developing and implementing target hardening initiatives in their area. Responsibility for managing the budget would remain with the Neighbourhood Pride Unit administered by the Head of Neighbourhood Pride and / or Assistant Director (Neighbourhood & Community Safety).

·        In principle, the Target Hardening budget will be used to support physical improvements to reduce crime therefore this will not be used to support revenue based activities. Schemes that attract revenue funding will stand an improved chance of being successful.

·        If the task groups wish for funding for a particular project that is local or ward based, then that should first be discussed at the ward committee meeting or joint action group. A funding application should then be submitted to the Head of Neighbourhood Pride Unit/Assistant Director (Neighbourhood & Community Safety).  A funding application template is enclosed at Annex 1. 

·        The authorisation of the allocation of funds will then be determined after consultation with the Leader of the Council (who has portfolio responsibility for Safer York activities), or in his absence, the Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services.  The Neighbourhood Services Finance Manager will provide quarterly updates on expenditure and project delivery to the SYP Executive and the CYC in the quarterly and annual revenue monitoring reports.

(ii)               That the Director of Neighbourhood Services would exercise his delegated authority to commit expenditure following consultation with the leader of the Council or Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services and monitoring of the budget will continue to be reported by the Neighbourhood Pride Unit to the City Strategy EMAP as part of quarterly and annual revenue budget monitoring.

(iii)             That the Opposition Spokesperson be consulted on proposals at the same time as the relevant Ward Committee(s).

Decision of the Executive Leader

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To ensure that the budget is effectively utilised to fund community safety projects in the wards, with a view to reducing or minimising the risk of crime or tackling the fear of crime.