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

Witney Town Band – Members noted that the application was higher than previous years to reflect an increase in costs. The committee supported the request for £660 and that this should be agreed for future years and included in the annual budget accordingly.

Witney Congregational Church – Members noted legislation that precluded providing funds for churches and ecclesiastical charities and that further government guidance was still awaited. The committee discussed the community benefits and suggested that the Witney Town Hall charity may be able to assist.

After discussion it was resolved not to make an award of funding.

Oxfordshire Foster Care Association – The committee noted that the association covered a wider area than Witney but it did support residents of the town. Members discussed the financial information provided and after discussion agreed to support the application but that it be on a percentage basis to reflect the number of Witney residents being supported. It was proposed and agreed that a grant of £500 be awarded.

Witney Museum & Historical Society – Members expressed support for the museum and the need for increased promotion. It was suggested and agreed that an ongoing grant would also be beneficial. It was proposed that a grant of £500 be awarded and this would be ongoing for future years with the minutes of the society AGM being presented to Council for information. The Council could also assist in advertising the Museum at its offices and at the Corn Exchange.

Subsidised Lettings

Mayor of Witney – The committee supported the request for £510 to hold up to three fundraising events at the Corn Exchange for mayoral charities.

Carry on Dancing Club – The Deputy Town Clerk clarified that the matter had been discussed by the Halls, Cemeteries and Allotments Committee and this had generated the application for consideration. The committee supported the application.

Additional Financial Requests & Matters

Madley Park Hall Trust – The committee noted that the request was the third and final tranche of funding previously agreed for the hall and was set aside in an earmarked reserve. The request for £5k was agreed.

Rotary Club of Witney – The postponement of the Colour Run Event until later in the year was noted.

Resolved:

1.      That, in respect of Discretionary Grants witney Town Band be awarded £660 and that this be included at the same rate in the budget for future years;

2.      That, no award be made to Witney Congregational Church;

3.      That, Oxfordshire Foster Care Association be awarded £500 to reflect the percentage of Witney residents being supported by the organisation;

4.      That, Witney Museum & Historical Society be awarded £500 and that this be included at the same rate in the budget for future years with the minutes of the society AGM being presented to the Council for information;

5.      That, subsidised lettings be approved for the Mayor of Witney and Carry-on Dancing Club as detailed in the report;

6.      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;

7.      That, the allocation of £5k to Madley Park Hall Trust be approved; and

8.      That, the postponement of the Witney Colour Run until later in the year be noted.