Purpose

Members to be updated on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2026/27 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.

Decision

The Township Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought to update on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2026/27 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.

The Townships Services Manager was in attendance to present the report and to address the questions and comments of the Committee Members. Applicants for Township’s funding were in attendance to present their projects.

Resolved:

1. That the expenditure, commitments and balances for Pennines Township revenue and capital funds in Appendix 1 and 2 to the report be noted;
2. That decisions made under delegated authority as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be noted;
3. That it be noted that the Head of Townships & Libraries has assessed the proposed projects to be considered for funding against the criteria of eligibility for the Pennines Township Fund, the priorities of the Township and any specific risks have been identified (information detailed in Appendix 4 to the report);
4. That the Head of Townships & Libraries, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Pennines Township Committee, to be given delegated authority to make decisions on any deferred projects;
5. That Members consider and approve, decline or defer the allocation of funds to proposed projects detailed in Appendix 3 to the report as below:

Application

Grant agreed

PF/07/26

17th Rochdale 1st Wardle Scout Group equipment & resources

£5,000

PF/09/26

Young People Creative Career Support Sessions and Documentary Film Screenings

£2,390,36 £2,390,36 –

The Committee   endorsed the project in principle and agreed that the identified funding be ringfenced towards the project; and delegated authority to the Head of Townships and Libraries in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair to determine the allocation for the 2027/28 financial year.

PF/10/26

The Community Reggae Choir

£1,437

PF/11/26

Switzerland Scout Trip

£3,000

PF/1226

Wardle Carols Around the Tree 2026

DEFERRED due to the applicant not being in attendance.

During consideration of Application 4A (i.e.: PF 0726), Councillor Branton declared a prejudicial interest in the matter by virtue of knowing the applicant and left the meeting. Councillor Branton took no part in the discussion or vote on the application.

During consideration of Application 5A (i.e.: PF 11/26), Councillor Bamford declared a prejudicial interest in the matter by virtue of knowing the applicant and left the meeting. Councillor Bamford took no part in the discussion or vote on the application.

Reason for decision:

As per Council’s Constitution, Management of the Pennines Township Fund had been delegated to the Pennines Township Committee. Pennines Township Funds were allocated to projects that benefit the Township’s community and environment, and realize Pennines Township priorities. To enable the Pennines Township Committee to monitor and review the use of the Pennines Township Funds to ensure continued efficient and effective use of the funds.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

In considering the report, Members would decide whether or not to approve the allocation of funds to projects as appropriate. The alternative to the proposed recommendations would be for Members not to approve the allocation of funds to the projects presented. However, this would limit Rochdale Borough Council’s ability to support initiatives that align with Pennines Township’s priorities and benefit the local community. Members also had the option to defer decisions to request further information or revisions to proposals. Each project would be assessed against eligibility criteria to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively and transparently.