Purpose

At its meeting on 24 September 2026, the Grants Advisory Committee considered the remaining balance of the Community Chest Grant Fund for the 2026-27 financial year. In light of the high number of applications approved to date and the limited funding available for the remainder of the year, the Lead Member for Healthy Communities (in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources) agreed to increase in the Community Chest Grant Scheme budget by £20,000 (bringing the original sum made available for this scheme for 2026-27 from £64,890 to £84,890).

Decision

To increase the funding available for the Community Chest Grant Scheme by £20,000, from £64,890 to £84,890.

Reasons for the decision

Increasing the budget will enable more projects to be funded through the Community Chest Grant Scheme throughout the remainder of the 2026-27 financial year.

Alternative options considered

Maintaining the Community Chest Grant Fund at its current level of £64,890 would limit the funding available for the remainder of the 2026-27 financial year. As a result, the Grants Advisory Committee may be unable to recommend funding for as many eligible applications to the Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities as it would otherwise wish to support.