Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 12, 2026

Purpose: To consider the community services grant awards for 2026/27

Content: RESOLVED that   1.    the continuation of core services grant funding for Community First East Hampshire, Community Transport Services and the Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, as set out in Section 7, up to a maximum total value of £95,200 for 2026/27 be approved; and 2.    authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Community, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement and the Section 151 Officer, to: ·       agree and enter into the necessary grant and service level agreements; ·       agree performance monitoring and break clauses; ·       release grant payments in instalments subject to performance; and ·       where funding and budgets allow, extend or vary the term of agreements beyond one year, up to the approved budget.   Reasons for the decision   To continue existing core services funding arrangements for key community services operating in East Hampshire for the period April 2026 to March 2027 (and beyond where delegated authority is exercised), within the approved Community Services revenue budget.   Alternative Options Considered   A. Do nothing There is no statutory requirement for the Council to provide funding for these services. However, this option would have significant negative consequences. Community First plays a critical role in supporting the voluntary sector, which underpins the Council’s ambitions for thriving communities and an asset-based approach. Without this support, many local organisations would struggle to remain viable, reducing community capacity and resilience. Similarly, the withdrawal of funding for Community Transport would exacerbate rural isolation and limit access to essential services, particularly for older residents and those with mobility challenges. This would likely increase demand on statutory services and lead to poorer health and wellbeing outcomes.   B. Council provides services directly The Council could seek to deliver these services in-house. However, this is not considered feasible or cost-effective. The Council does not have the specialist expertise or staff resources to replicate the infrastructure support provided by Community First or the operational capacity to deliver community transport. Partner organisations can leverage external funding, volunteer support, and economies of scale to deliver these services more efficiently than the Council could achieve alone.   C. Reduce the current level of grant funding Reducing the level of funding would compromise the ability of Community First to maintain a dedicated officer for East Hampshire and deliver the full range of support services required to build capacity in the voluntary sector. This would undermine the Council’s strategic objectives, including the development of Community Area Partnerships and the implementation of ABCD principles. Similarly, reducing funding for Community Transport would result in fewer routes or reduced service availability, leaving vulnerable residents without viable transport options. While both services attract some external funding, these sources are typically short-term and cannot replace core funding.   D. Preferred option - Maintain funding as proposed The recommended approach is to maintain the current level of funding for Community First and Community Transport, as set out in this report. This option ensures continuity of essential services while supporting the Council’s transformation agenda. It also provides flexibility for Community Transport through delegated authority to agree annual contractual arrangements, enabling the Council to respond to budget pressures and service changes over the three-year period.