Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk regarding Youth Services Grant applications which outlined the recommendations of the evaluation panel, which had been delegated this responsibility by the Stronger Communities Committee

Members noted the comments of the Chair of the Stronger Communities Committee, who expressed surprise at the number and overall quality of the applications received. However, it was considered that some applicants should be invited to submit applications to the Council’s Discretionary Grants budget

The Committee further considered applications from ARCh, Clear Sky Children’s Charity, Bright Futures (The Station) and YES Futures and agreed that these requests should be refused.

The Committee gave further detailed consideration to the application from Witney Buttercross Scouts. Members noted that grant funding was typically awarded to support sustainable or new opportunities; however, additional information had been sought from the applicant. Members were advised that the proposal was to install modular toilet facilities at the newly acquired Scout site. It was noted that this would enable the site to be brought into use earlier than planned and provide a facility that would benefit a significant number of young people from Witney. Following consideration, it was proposed and agreed that a contribution of £5,000 be made towards the total project costs.

Members considered the remaining applications recommended for support from the Youth Services Grant budget (4169/408). Members were unanimous in agreement, with the exception of Cllr T Ashby who abstained on the vote for the award to Witney Buttercross Scouts owing to his earlier declaration.

Resolved:

1. That, Ducklington Sports Club, West Oxon Levellers, Witney Mills Cricket Club and Witney Wolves Basketball Club be invited to apply to the Discretionary Grants budget (407/4100) and,
2. That, the applications from ARCh, Clear Sky Children’s Charity, Bright Futures (The Station) and YES Futures be declined and,
3. That, the following Youth Services Grants be awarded under the General Power of Competence and recipients be asked to acknowledge the Council’s financial contribution in their promotional literature:

·         Aspire – £2,500

·         Be Free Young Carers – £2,000

·         Benefice of Witney – £2,000

·         Courtside – £2,000

·         Hope After Harm – £1,000

·         1st North Leigh Guides – £500

·         Buttercross Scouts – £5,000

·         Yellow Submarine – £1,500

4.       That, Home Start Oxford be awarded £12,000 for early years preventative services from the budget set aside for this.

5.       That the remaining £3,500 of the youth services grant budget be ringfenced for future youth-related applications during the municipal year