Agenda item

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

The committee considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk outlining applications and confidential financial information for Discretionary Grants, Subsidised Lettings and Additional Finance Requests.

Discretionary Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Witney – The committee supported the allocation of £500 towards the Witney Colour Run 2022. It was noted that a grant had already been given for this in the current fiscal year but this was because of a delay in last years event due to Covid-19.

Windrush Radio – Members, whilst supporting the work of Windrush Radio, considered that there was insufficient detail and financial information in the application for a decision to be made. It was suggested that officers liaise with the applicants in respect of a revised application in the future.

Anchora – It was noted that no specific application had been made but the applicant be encouraged to submit something in the future in line with the criteria. Members suggested other potential funding sources and other organisations that may be able to provide advice and support.

Subsidised Letting Applications

Anchora – The committee supported the subsidised use of the Corn Exchange for a fundraising event to be held in July.

Witney Swifts Cricket Club – Members agreed a retrospective request for a subsidised letting at West Witney Sports Ground as the match was for a Special President’s Cup match.

Witney Photo Group - A request of for subsidised letting at the Corn Exchange in June 2022 for a photographic exhibition of members’ work was supported.

Additional Financial Assistance Requests

Oxfordshire Play Association (OPA) – It was noted that OPA will be providing a Play Day in June 2022 to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee Commemorations and as the event would be going ahead officers would release the £1,000 budgeted towards this event.

Witney Carnival Committee – The committee considered a request for £1,000 towards the Witney Carnival 2022. This was in addition to the £1,100 already budgeted towards toilets and free use of the Leys.

Members noted that this was a reduced request and it had been indicated that additional funding was unlikely to be needed in the future as the Carnival Committee would be able to increase fundraising activity post covid. It was agreed to support the request.

Witney Music Festival – It was noted that the Stronger Communities Committee had received a request from the festival organisers to agree a future partnership with the Town Council to hold an annual event on the Leys. This would involve funding £10,000 so the event could run and then receiving the funds back (with a 10% return) after the event.

The committee considered the financial implications and the feasibility of partnership working in the future. It was confirmed that the festival received free use of The Leys and support from the Town Council with regard to other infrastructure. Members agreed it was not appropriate to provide a loan but a grant of £2500 could be provided this year.

Recommended:

1.       That, in respect of Discretionary Grants The Rotary Club of Witney be awarded £500 towards the Witney Colour Run 2022;

2.       That, the application by Windrush Radio for £2000 towards outside broadcasting equipment be not supported and the applicants be asked to resubmit with more details and financial information;

3.       That, no award be made to Anchora but that they be encouraged submit an application in the future in line with the criteria;

4.       That, subsidised lettings be approved for Anchora, Witney Swifts Cricket Club and Witney Photo Group as detailed in the report;

5.       That these grants be awarded under the General Power of Competence and that the recipients be asked to acknowledge the Council’s financial contribution in their promotional literature.

6.       That, the payment of £1,000 to Oxfordshire Play Association be noted;

7.       That, £1000 be awarded to Witney Carnival Committee from an underspend in the grants budget; and

8.       That, £2500 be awarded to Witney Music Festival from an underspend in the grants budget.