Agenda item

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

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

Members were informed that there had been two grant applications and one late subsidised letting request. They agreed to refuse the latter, as the budget for the year had already been fully allocated.

The Committee acknowledged the benefits of a grant for an e-bike to support community policing, especially given the incidents of antisocial behaviour over the summer but noted vehicles should form part of general policing operations. Approving the grant would assist in fulfilling the Council’s obligations to prevent crime and disorder; however, it would also reduce funds available for other purposes. Therefore, it was agreed to approve a reduced amount of £1,000.

Regarding the contribution for the Christmas Lights switch-on event, Members noted that the requested amount exceeded previous years and was above the approved budget. Due to the difficulty of justifying and allocating additional funds mid-financial year, a reduced amount of £2,500 was approved.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, Thames Valley Police Witney neighbourhood policing team be awarded a grant of £1,000 towards an e-bike for Witney and,

3.      That, the Rotary Club of Witney be awarded a grant of £2,500 towards the 2025 Christmas Lights switch-on event and,

4.      That, the Deputy Town Clerk write to the Rotary Club explaining the situation, asking for estimated costs for 2026-27 and,

5.      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,

6.      That, a late request for one day’s subsidised letting by Circus Ginnett be declined and,

7.      That, the updates regarding the Youth Services Grant be noted and,

8.      That, the correspondence from Be Free Young Carers and Ducklington Sports Club be welcomed and noted.