Issue - meetings

In view of the personal interest in this item declared by the Executive Member for Environment owing to that Member’s role in relation to Sanderson House, the Leader has agreed that it would be appropriate for the Deputy Leader to consider and determine the allocation of funds to Community Centres as a one-off in this instance. Responsibility for Community Centres generally lies within the portfolio of the Executive Member for Environment. 

The report attached provides options, as requested by the Executive Member, for how best to use the £70k p.a. investment in the Council owned community centres, agreed by Council, in order to maximise local resident use of the centres and to help secure their financial sustainability.

Resolved:           That the Executive Member agreed:

i.     Option C to provide some direct grants whilst retaining some of the budget for the Council to contribute to the repair and maintenance liabilities. A sinking fund will be established to allow a planned approach to asset replacement.

ii.    Agreed to the commencement of a consultation programme to identify Clifton residents needs for future provision.

Reason:              To ensure community centres remain sustainable and provide local activity for residents.

The Executive Member considered a report which provided options for how best to use a £70k p.a investment in the Council owned community centres, as agreed by Council, in order to maximise local resident use of the centres and to help secure their financial sustainability.

Officers outlined the report and advised that work had been carried out with each of the 5 community centres, including the trustees to review income and expenditure and to seek solutions to allow each centre to continue without council funding from April 2015. Consultation had also been carried out with each centre to understand how the new £70K budget can support the centres going forward.

In relation to the Burton Stone Community Centre, a further consultation with Clifton residents was required to identify future need for a community centre with a report back to the Executive Member in Spring 2016.

Resolved:           That the Executive Member agreed:

i.     Option C to provide some direct grants whilst retaining some of the budget for the Council to contribute to the repair and maintenance liabilities. A sinking fund will be established to allow a planned approach to asset replacement.

ii.    Agreed to the commencement of a consultation programme to identify Clifton residents needs for future provision.

Reason:              To ensure community centres remain sustainable and provide local activity for residents.