Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning grant activity to local organisations.

Members debated the requests and considered that Witney Flood Group were providing a worthwhile service, they attended and lobbied on residents’ behalf and should receive the full amount requested.

With respect to the subsidised letting requests, there was concern the budget for the current year was almost expunged, therefore, the Committee had to scrutinise applications  unless they could be covered internally from existing budgets, such as the Climate Fair and Mayor requests.

Members agreed Witney Jazz and Aspire should both be granted their requests, although noted the commercial operation of the former. A shortfall in the budget could be made up from the discretionary fund.

Resolved:

1.      That, Witney Flood Group be awarded a grant of £800 and,

2.      That, subsidised letting requests for use of the Corn Exchange be approved for Witney Jazz (£160), and Aspire (£70) and,

3.      That, any an additional sum over and above the subsidised letting budget for the year be allocated from the discretionary grants cost centre and,

4.      That, these grants be awarded under the General Power of Competence and awardees be asked to acknowledge the Town Council in any promotional material and,

5.      That, the use of the Corn Exchange for up to three Mayor events be approved at a cost of £480 to be funded from cost centre 401/4150 and,

6.      That, the use of the Corn Exchange for a Climate Fayre in October be funded from the Council’s Climate & Biodiversity earmarked reserveand,

7.      That, the correspondence from Apollos Clothing and Lowland Rescue Oxford be noted and,

8.      That, a policy specifically for subsidised lettings be drafted by officers ahead of the next meeting.