Purpose

This report sets out the proposed Community Grants Programme for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Tower Hamlets and provides the strategic framework for the allocation of grant funding over the programme period.

The Community Grants Programme is intended to support a diverse and resilient VCS that plays a vital role in improving the wellbeing of residents, reducing inequalities, strengthening community cohesion, and supporting the Council's strategic priorities. The report identifies the key priority themes and outcomes that grant funding will seek to achieve, informed by evidence of local need, resident and sector engagement, demographic data, and the Council's emerging Strategic Plan.

 

Decision

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions, and officer responses, were noted.

DECISION

1. To note the engagement undertaken to develop the Community Grants Programme, as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report and Appendix 2 to the report.
2. To agree the Community Grants Programme, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report, including the outcomes framework set out in Appendix 3 to the report.
3. To authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the detailed prospectus of each grants programme in consultation with the Mayor.
4. To note the proposed timetable for the new grants arrangements, as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report, and agree that the Community Grants Programme for the voluntary and community sector will run from July 2027 to March 2031.
5. To agree the grant assessment arrangements as set out in para 3.7 of the report.
6. To agree the budget for the grants programme and source of funding as set out in para 3.8 of the report.
7. To agree that the proposed governance process for the development and implementation of the grants programme for the VCS as set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report.
8. To authorise the Chief Executive to agree the final grant awards for the Mayor’s Community Grants Programme.
9. To note the result of the equalities impact screening as set out in para 4.1 of the report. 

Action by:

Tina Stankley, Interim Corporate Director, Resources

Afazul Hoque, Head of Corporate Strategy & Communities

Reasons for the decision

The Council’s Strategic Plan 2026-30 sets out our priorities, ambitions, and actions as well as our commitment to partnership work in the borough. One of the ways in which we demonstrate our commitment is through our investment in VCS commissioning and grants. The Council’s current grant arrangements end in March 2027 and this subject to a report to the Grants Determination Sub Committee (14th October 26) to extend the current programme until June 2027. In line with our new strategic priorities, this paper sets out our new VCS community grants programme.

The voluntary and community sector (VCS) in Tower Hamlets is a vital strategic partner, delivering a wide range of services, activities and support that improve outcomes for residents and strengthen local communities. The sector plays a key role in addressing some of the borough's most pressing challenges, including inequality, poverty, social isolation, health disparities and community cohesion.

The new community grants programme will ensure we work with the VCS to:

•         Secure VCS services that they are best placed to deliver

•         Support the delivery of provision to address priority needs in the community

•         Preserve good practice within existing Council-funded VCS service provision

•         Ensure a good mix of VCS provision in terms of service reach and ability to deliver innovative service responses

•         Support the development of a sustainable VCS with a broad range of organisations who are able to respond to the diverse needs in the community. 

Alternative options considered

The Council can decide not to fund the VCS through a grants programme. This option is not recommended as it would:

•         Remove vital VCS services that are improving the lives of our residents

•         Go against our commitment to partnership working with the VCS

Continue with existing grants programmes. This is not recommended as it would not deliver our revised priorities as set out in the Strategic Plan.