Decision

1. 1

A report was presented by the Community Services Manager, outlining proposals for the approach to the South LAC budget for 2026/27, and the spending decisions for 2025/26 made in consultation with the LAC Chair, and in accordance with the delegation granted by the South LAC at its meeting in October 2024.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the South Local Area Committee:

(a)  Notes the funds spent under delegated powers since the February 2026 South LAC meeting, as set out in the report; and

(b)  Agrees to award £25,000 to each ward from its 2026/27 budget for spending in line with community plan priorities

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Spending decisions made by the Community Services Manager under the authority delegated by the LAC in October 2024 are required to be reported to the next LAC meeting so that the LAC can monitor its delegated budget and delivery of the Community Plan. The proposed allocation of LAC funding to each ward outlined in the report, addresses the identified local priorities within the South LAC Community Plan.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Decisions on all expenditure could be reserved to the LAC, but this would inevitably delay delivery of priority actions to address specific issues identified in the Community Plan. All decisions on expenditure to support Community Plan priorities could be delegated to officers. However, this would restrict and undermine the LAC’s ability to monitor its delegated budget and delivery of the Community Plan.