Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose: Review of the revenue and capital expenditure during 2024/25 and provides options for the allocation of funds in 2025/26. Members to approve Pennines Township Funds allocation to funding streams, terms and conditions, and agree delegation arrangements concerning funding decisions

Content: The Township gave consideration to a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought to inform of the revenue and capital expenditure during 2024/25. The report also provided options for the allocation of funds in 2025/26.   The Township and Engagement Officer was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Committee Members.   The Committee considered the revised terms and conditions for Pennines Township revenue and capital funds 2025/26 as at Appendix 6 to the report. In reference to expenses that should not be funded, the Committee agreed that point h should be rephrased to the effect of: (h) Parties/day trips, with the exception of grant applications from local health and wellbeing groups where the proposed activity aims to prevent social isolation among older people.   Resolved: 1.    That the expenditure, commitments and balances for Pennines  Township revenue and capital funds at financial year end 2024/25 (Appendix 1 and 2) be noted; 2.    That the findings of the review of Pennines Township Funds  2024/25 (Appendix 3) and evaluations information received to date for funded projects (Appendix 4) be noted; 3.    That the allocation of Pennines Township Funds to funding streams in 2025/26 (Appendix 5) be approved; 4.    That, subject to the amendment of point h to the effect of: (h) Parties/day trips, with the exception of grant applications from local health and wellbeing groups where the proposed activity aims to prevent social isolation among older people, the terms and conditions for Pennines Township revenue and capital funds for 2025/26 (Appendix 6) be approved; 5.    That the delegation arrangements for Pennines Township Funds 2025/26 as detailed at 5.6 of this report be agreed; 6.    That it be agreed that any uncommitted/unspent funds be reallocated to a central revenue or capital funding stream as appropriate before the end of January 2026 to enable Members to spend/commit all Pennines Township Funds during 2025/26 financial year.   Reason for decision: As per Council’s Constitution, Management of the Pennines Township Fund was delegated to the Pennines Township Committee. Pennines Township Funds were allocated to projects that benefit the Township’s community and environment, and realise Pennines Township priorities. To enable 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 reviewing the allocation and management of Pennines Township Funds, Members may choose not to approve the proposed funding streams, revised terms and conditions, or the recommended delegation arrangements for 2025/26. However, such a course of action could compromise the efficient and responsive administration of the funds, potentially leading to delays in supporting community projects and diminishing the effectiveness of resource deployment. Alternatively, Members may wish to suggest amendments to the funding framework or delegation processes. Any such changes, however, must remain consistent with Rochdale Borough Council’s governance protocols and continue to align with Pennines Township priorities.