Content

(Report of
Interim Chief Executive)
 
Cabinet
considered a number of options in
respect of future funding arrangements for key Voluntary and
Community Sector Groups. 
 
It
was noted that in relation to offering lower amounts set over a
longer period (detailed in Option 4), that organisations had been
contacted to establish what service impacts could arise if this
option was progressed. 
 
Due
regard was given to the responses received from the organisations
(summarised in paragraph 1.2.3), the opportunity for voluntary and
community sector groups to apply for UKSPF Community Development
Grant funding from 1 March 2024 and the valuable work provided by
these groups to support residents throughout the
Borough.
 
Particular reference
was made to the larger grant of £95,000
offered to CANWK which had remained static for several
years.  Despite the ongoing cost of
living crisis meaning that their services were in high demand, it
was prudent for the Borough Council to consider all value for money
options.  On the
grounds that CANWK could apply for the UKSPF Community
Development Grant, Cabinet supported a £5,000 reduction in
funding with the security of a four-year Service Level
Agreement.
 
RESOLVED:  That
 
(1)           
grant funding for Imago, Involve, Mediation Schemes
and Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge be reduced as detailed in Option
4 and set for a period of 4 years to provide additional
stability;
 
(2)           
a £5,000 reduction in grant funding be applied
for CANWK with the security of a four-year Service Level Agreement;
and
 
(3)           
prior to the next review of the Service Level
Agreements for Voluntary Sector grant funding in April 2028, that
consideration be given to which organisations, if any, would be
eligible.