Decision

The Cabinet Member for Community and Public Protection:

1. 1       Reviewed and approved the CVS prospectus for 2027-2030.
2. 2       Approved the launch of the programme and application process.

Reasons for the decision

The community and voluntary sector represents the very best of local communities in action. Every day, volunteers and community organisations bring people together, support health and wellbeing, strengthen community resilience and help residents to thrive. The Council has a long-standing commitment to supporting the sector and recognises it as a vital partner in delivering services, addressing local challenges and achieving the ambitions set out within LD2050. Through sustained investment and collaboration, the Council aims to enable community organisations to grow, innovate and continue making a significant difference to residents across the district.

Reflecting the significant contribution that community and voluntary organisations make to our district, the Council has sought to increase the level of funding available through the 2027-30 CVS Funding Programme. While £603,780 was originally allocated within the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), it is proposed to increase the overall funding envelope to £1,172,367 by bringing together a number of approved budget streams. This includes funding for localised transport initiatives, which will support a dedicated community transport funding lot. The increased funding represents a substantial investment in the district's community and voluntary sector and enabling more organisations to deliver services and projects that improve outcomes for local residents.

The 2027-30 CVS Funding Programme will be launched through the publication of a funding prospectus (Appendix A), which sets out the programme's objectives, funding priorities, eligibility criteria and application process. The prospectus is intended to provide clear, transparent and accessible information to help community and voluntary organisations to submit applications.

The Council has reflected on the application process that was used previously and has sought to streamline it as much as possible and look to reduce the administrative burden on community organisations. As such, a single-stage application process will be used in this upcoming round.

The minimum and maximum grant awards will remain unchanged from the last funding round, at £1,000 and £50,000 respectively. For the community transport funding lot, the maximum award will be £25,000.  Applicants will be asked to demonstrate a 10% contribution towards their project. To ensure the programme remains accessible to organisations of all sizes, this contribution can be provided through in-kind support, such as volunteer time, donated resources or the use of community facilities, recognising the significant value that community organisations and volunteers already contribute to delivering positive outcomes for local residents.

The prospectus will be launched 30th July 2026 and will be open for 7 weeks.  Decisions on awards are due to be approved by Cabinet in November 2026.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing and not launch a new Community and Voluntary sector funding programme for 2027-30.  This would reduce support for the community and voluntary sector and weaken the delivery of key community services and outcomes.