Purpose

In
recognition of the hardship being experienced by many  of the most vulnerable households in the Borough
following the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis, the
Council budgeted for a Community Support Fund of £100,000 for
2024/25.  This paper proposes Cabinet
approval to invite organisations based in the Borough to apply for
one-off grants to provide direct support to residents of the
Borough.  The Community Grants panel
will review all applications and award the grants by 30 September
2024.

Decision

RESOLVED –

 

That the creation of a Community Support Fund (Covid
Recovery) to the value of £100,000 for 2024/25, to be funded
from the remaining Contain Outbreak Management Fund and spent by 30
September 2024, leaving the originally budgeted £100k to be
allocated to other community projects, (which are yet to be
decided) be approved.

 

That this fund be allocated to charities based in
the Borough, to deliver assistance to residents of the Borough,
with the express purpose of supporting the continued recovery from
the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting
cost-of-living crisis be approved.

 

That, following an application process, the
allocation of the funding be delegated to the Community Grants
Panel be approved.

 
REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable the Council to continue
to provide support to vulnerable residents of the
Borough