Purpose

To request Cabinet Member approval to provide grant funds to the nine organisations that currently provide eleven befriending services for a period of up to 1 year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 as set out in the report. The total sum being funded through these grants is £160,652.

Decision

That the Cabinet Member approves   the provision of grants totalling £160,652 to the nine organisations that currently provide befriending services for a period of up to 1 year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 as set out in the report.

Reasons for the decision

There is insufficient time to complete a strategic review by 1 April 2024. The interim grants proposed in this report will allow time for a comprehensive review of future requirements for befriending support.

Alternative options considered

The Council could do nothing and allow the current grant to end on 31 March 2024. This would severely impact those organisations currently delivering befriending activity and potentially leave many vulnerable people without support.  By making an interim fixed term grant agreement this would ensure continuity of service whilst a review of future requirements is carried out.