Agenda and minutes

There were no Declarations of Interest made.

Further to Minute No. 103 of the Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel held on 14^th September, 2006, consideration was given to the request for the Community Leadership Fund to be increased from £500 to £1,000 and included as part of the budget process for 2007/08.

The Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion considered a report at his delegated powers meeting on Monday, 27^th November, 2006 and deferred suggestions to increase the fund pending further discussions with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel.

The Chairman of the Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel outlined the Scrutiny Panel’s reasons for the increase request from £500 to £1,000 and emphasised the good work created by the fund for small projects.  In addition, the Local Government White Paper gave a clear steer of support for spend by Elected Members.

The Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel reinforced the value and effectiveness of the fund, the gratitude of the recipients and the recommendation of the Scrutiny Panel for the increase.

The role of Scrutiny in the budget process was pointed out.  There were savings and budget pressures that were starting to emerge and this request needed to be set out as BIP, clearly detailing what impact the Community Leadership Fund had on the Corporate Plan and the links to the White Paper, and submitted as soon as possible.

The Scrutiny Panel firmly believed that the Community Leadership Fund met all elements of the Rotherham themes and was seen to make a difference to many people from all walks of life.  The Cabinet would, therefore, be urged to support this worthwhile fund and agree to an increase. 

The Community Leadership Fund had previously been set at £1,000 and had been reduced to £500 as a budget saving.   On no account should this be reduced further and should be protected against any further cuts.  Members’ spending of this fund had been increased to 97% during 2005/06 and the social inclusive benefits and the democratic impact were key issues.  The process of submitting projects as benefactors of the fund had been simplified and less complicated, hence the reason for increased spend over the past twelve months.

The fund clearly made a difference within the community, but should not be publicised via the Area Assembly just yet to prevent public expectation becoming too high.

The relevant avenues of support and opportunities would be pursued by Members and Officers, with consideration being given to alternative sources of funding.

Resolved:-  (1)  That relevant officers from the Chief Executive’s Department and Neighbourhoods Programme Area meet to formulate the submittance of a BIP for an increase to the Community Leadership Fund as part of the budget process for 2007/08.

(2)  That the relevant Officers and Members submit the BIP as part of the budget discussions for 2007/08.