Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk

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

Members considered each application in turn and noted that any awards would fall within the new financial year, as the 2025–26 budget had been fully expended. It was further noted that a number of organisations applied annually and that, while this may create an expectation of funding, the position was clearly set out within the Council’s Grants Criteria and Subsidised Lettings Policy.

In respect of subsidised lettings, the Committee recognised that the applicants delivered valuable arts and community services and therefore agreed to award these in full, including a reminder that an annual award could not be taken for granted. Full grant awards were also approved for Witney Shed and the annual grant to Witney Town Band in support of civic performances.

Applications from the Friends of Witney Community Primary School and Hanborough Cricket Club were initially deferred to the June meeting. The Committee considered that alternative funding sources may be available and that approving these requests at this stage could limit the Council’s ability to allocate discretionary grants later in the year. Applicants would be provided with further guidance on potential funding options.

The Committee acknowledged the admirable project from Hanborough Cricket Club and the potential wider benefit of the proposed project to some Witney residents; however, it was ultimately concluded that the request could not be justified for funding by Witney Town Council.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, Witney Photo Group (£266.67+VAT), Witney Food Revolution (£228.33+VAT), and Witney Town Training Band (£215.50+VAT) be awarded full subsidised letting of the Corn Exchange in the new fiscal year and,

3.      That, Witney Shed be awarded a grant of £450 and,

4.      That, Witney Town Band be awarded an annual grant of £750 and,

5.      That, the grant application from the Friends of Witney Community Primary School be deferred until the June meeting of this Committee and,

6.      That, no award be granted to Hanborough Cricket Club and,

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