Purpose

To consider the report relating to Achieving Outcomes in Partnership with the Voluntary Sector.

Decision

RESOLVED to approve:

I.                 The move to a three-year commissioning cycle (and from 2028/29 moving to a four-year cycle to match Uttlesford’s electoral cycle) for:

a.     Providing information, advice and guidance services including homelessness prevention (£140,000 pa)

b.     Connecting rural communities to prevent rural isolation including rural transport (£62,000 pa)

c.      Healthy, resilient and active communities (inc. mental health, sports and leisure) (£70,000 pa)

d.     Support for older people and those with learning difficulties (£110,000 pa)

e.     Youth (£50,000 pa)

f.       Arts and culture (£35,000 pa)

II.               An annual grant cycle for:

a.     Any other contribution towards Corporate Plan Outcomes. Two one-off funding streams – small grants (up to £500) or larger (£500-£3,000), including direct member submitted or supported proposals.

b.     Establishing strengthened governance to oversee grant funded services through a cross-party forum.

c.      Cease ward member initiatives and include the previous budget as part of a wider grant fund in a new funding regime to be determined over coming weeks prior to launch for the 2025/26 funding year.