Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: April 30, 2025

Purpose:

Content:     42.1 The Committee considered a report of the Community Services Manager on the funding allocated to the North Local Area Committee and the proposals for its allocation and expenditure for 2024/25 in line with the priorities of the North Local Area Committee, namely:   ·   Improving local transport through practical Highways improvements and promoting better public transport?;   ·   Improving community safety; and   ·   Improving community life.     42.2 The Community Services Manager confirmed the following expenditure since the North Local Area Committee of 27 February 2025, full details of which were contained within the ‘North Local Area Committee Budget 2024/25 and 2025/26’:       Great North Fund £14,700 Cost of Living Fund £2,575 Delegated powers expenditure £4,600 Administration costs/operations budget £193   Total £22,068     42.3 RESOLVED: That the North Local Area Committee:   a)    notes the expenditure of the 2024/25 budget against the £100,000 to address local priorities in the North Local Area Committee, as detailed in the report, that has taken place since the North Local Area Committee meeting on 27 February 2025; b)    agrees the recommendations set out for use of the 2025/26 budget; and c)     authorises the Community Services Manager, in consultation with the Local Area Committee Chair, to finalise the eligibility criteria and make decisions, following engagement with the relevant Ward Members, on the award of the grant funds proposed of up to £5,000.     42.4 Reasons for Decision       The North Local Area Committee is asked to note the use of funding under delegated authority in accordance with the Local Area Committee decisions of 10 September 2024 to address the identified local priorities within the North Local Area Committee Community Plan so that the Local Area Committee can monitor its delegated budget and delivery of the Community Plan.   The further expenditure and proposed use of funding under delegated authority outlined in the report addresses the identified local priorities within the North Local Area Committee Community Plan.      42.5 Alternatives Considered and Rejected       The North Local Area Committee could choose not to allocate budgets at this stage, but this would delay local projects and facilities for local communities.   Decisions on grant awards could be reserved to the North Local Area Committee, but this would inevitably delay delivery of priority actions to address specific issues identified in the Community Plan.   All decisions on expenditure to support Community Plan priorities could be delegated to officers. However, this would restrict and undermine the Local Area Committee’s ability to monitor its delegated budget and delivery of the Community Plan.