The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee met to review the Mayor's Small Grants Programme and discuss performance reports for the Mayor's Community Grants Programme. Key decisions included approving recommendations to streamline the small grants process, increasing the Community Chest grant amount, and addressing concerns regarding the financial difficulties and liquidation of several grant-receiving organisations.

Review of the Mayor's Small Grants Programme

The committee reviewed the Mayor's Small Grants Programme, with a decision made to implement recommendations aimed at improving its efficiency and accessibility. These recommendations include consolidating the application process for positive activities for young people to once a year and increasing the maximum grant amount available through the Community Chest from £500 to £1,000. These changes are funded from the existing £100,000 annual budget for small grants, with the underspend from previous years covering the increased amounts. Assurances were given regarding robust controls to prevent misappropriation of funds, including an external team now moderating all assessments to enhance transparency and decision-making. The process for allocation and award of grants has been delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources or Director of Finance, with no political involvement. Concerns were raised and addressed regarding delays in both the assessment of applications and the disbursement of payments, with new procedures implemented to streamline these processes.

Mayor's Community Grants Programme Performance Reports

The committee received and noted performance reports for the Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) covering January-March 2025, April-June 2025, and July-September 2025. Discussions highlighted the withdrawal of funding from three projects: LIMAS Welfare Association, which was unable to deliver; Quaker Social Action, which decided to cease delivery of the programme; and City Gateway, which entered liquidation.

Regarding City Gateway, it was noted that the organisation owed the council £5,930. The committee expressed disappointment that the council was not notified of the organisation's financial difficulties. The directors of City Gateway were identified as Raffala Amsu, Barry Dissou, Mark Norman Huxley, Marva Orellano, Adam Pizzi, and Florence Ponelli, with Eddie Stride as the chief executive. The committee requested a formal note on both City Gateway and Account Free (another company that has gone into liquidation) for the next meeting, to understand their financial positions, total debts, and any potential recourse against directors or chief executives. There was a strong sentiment that individuals involved in the liquidation of organisations receiving public funds should be held responsible and their future dealings with the council carefully scrutinised.

The performance of St. Hilda's in the East was discussed, which had been rated as 'amber' due to not meeting key performance indicators, primarily caused by staff recruitment issues. However, the organisation has since recovered and is now rated 'green'. The committee was assured that all projects receive visits, and as of November 20th, 47 visits had been conducted, with 89 undertaken or scheduled in total.

VCS Funding Awarded Under Delegated Authority

The committee noted information on funding awarded under delegated authority by the Director of Finance. This included grants awarded for community benefits and end reduction across three rounds of applications.

Community Engagement Recognition Policy

The Community Engagement Recognition Policy was withdrawn from the agenda for this meeting, with a commitment to revisit it after further discussion.

Wraparound Childcare Programme

The Wraparound Childcare Programme was also noted as withdrawn from the agenda, with the intention to address it at a future meeting.