Purpose

To consider the minor amendments in relation
to the Councillor Grant criteria.

Decision

RESOLVED that
 
a.   
the revised Councillor Community Grant Scheme
criteria and guidance, as set out in Appendix 1 & Appendix 2 be
approved;
b.   
the removal of the restriction on funding
appropriate revenue costs (excluding salary and employment costs)
be approved;
c.   
the increase in the maximum Councillor Community
Grant award from £1,000 to £2,000 be
approved;
d.  
changes to the grant approval process, including
system improvements and the requirement for councillors to record
how approved projects align with Council priorities be
approved;
e.  
the use of any councillor grant funding remaining
unspent at the end of the financial year to support eligible
applications previously declined solely due to lack of available
funds, to be allocated by the Portfolio Holder for Community
Development and Engagement in consultation with the Executive
Director of Community be approved; and
f.   
authority be delegated to the Director of
Community Development to implement the revised application process,
guidance, training and monitoring arrangements.
 
Reasons for the decision
 
To ensure that the East
Hampshire District Councillor Community Grant Scheme continues to
support the Council’s Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD) approach and the delivery of the Building Thriving
Communities strategy.
 
Alternative Options Considered
 
• Option 1: No change - Retain current
criteria. This would continue to limit flexibility and reduce the
scheme’s strategic impact.
 
• Option 2: Recommended - Revise the
Councillor Grant scheme to allow funding of appropriate ongoing
revenue costs, increase the maximum grant award to £2,000,
introduce stronger alignment with Council priorities through system
improvements, guidance and training, and improve monitoring and
assurance. This option supports councillor discretion and local
decision-making while strengthening accountability and maximising
community benefit.
 
• Option 3: Remove revenue cost
restriction only - Partial improvement, but without the strategic
guidance and monitoring needed to ensure effective use of
funds.