Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Responsible Financial Officer (R.F.O)

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) concerning grant activity to local organisations.

Members were updated on the progress of the 50^th Anniversary Grants fund and ratified the recommendations of the Chair of the Committee on the next set of awards. Officers confirmed an application had been received and the criteria had been met. The Chair commented that such a wide variety of groups in Witney had been able to be served by the scheme.

Following confirmation by officers that the funds were still available, it was agreed the scheme should be extended until awards were ratified at the February meeting.

With regard to subsidised letting requests, the Committee were favourable for providing free use of the Corn Exchange for the Witney Food Revolution anniversary fundraiser and noted an application had been received for the Senior’s Christmas Party at Burwell, an action arising from the last meeting.

Finally, the Committee noted thanks from Home-Start Oxford and Witney Town Band regarding financial support in the year. Members were in favour of allowing the Band to hold a subsidised let again in 2025, subject to the necessary paperwork being provided.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, ‘£50 for Fifty’ grants be awarded to 1^st Witney Boy’s Brigade, 4^th Witney Guides, Junior Parkrun, St Mary’s Cogges Community Garden, Tower Hill FC, Windrush Church, Witney Wolves Basketball, Witney Ringing Society, Witney & District Twinning Association, and Witney Arts & Crafts Society and,

3.      That, the £50 for Fifty Grants scheme be extended until 3 February meeting and publicised and,

4.      That, Witney Food Revolution be permitted subsidised use of the Corn Exchange to the sum of £237.50 and,

5.      That, the submission of a grant application for the Senior’s Christmas Party at Burwell Hall be noted and,

6.      That, the correspondence from Home Start Oxford and Witney Town Band be noted and,

7.      That, Witney Town Band be permitted subsidised use of the Corn Exchange for an autumn concert in 2025, subject to the necessary form and paperwork being submitted and,

8.      That, the above grants be provided under the General Power of Competence.