Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose: Members to be updated on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2025/26 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.

Content: The Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought to update on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2025/26 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.   The Township and Engagement Officer was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Committee.   The applicants attended the meeting to present their application for funding in order to finance their project.   Resolved: 1.    That the expenditure, commitments and balances for Pennines Township revenue and capital funds in Appendix 1 and 2 to the report be noted; 2.    That the decisions made under delegated authority as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be noted; 3.    That it be noted that the Head of Townships & Libraries has assessed the proposed projects to be considered for funding against the criteria of eligibility for the Pennines Township Fund, the priorities of Pennines Township and any specific risks have been identified (information detailed in Appendix 4). 4.    That The Head of Townships & Libraries, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Pennines Township Committee, be given delegated authority to make decisions on any deferred projects; 5.    That the allocation of funds to proposed projects detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be considered and approved, refused or deferred as below: -          Application PF/01/25 - Breaking Barriers – approved £2,190 -          Application PF/02/25 - St Morris Troupes Uniforms, St Morris Troupes -  approved £2,000 -          Application PTC/01/25 - Stansfield  Open Space Play Area Improvements – approved £15,000 -          Application PTC/02/25 - Community Centre Development, Nigeria Community Association – rejected £2,277.20   Reason for decision: As per Council’s Constitution, Management of the Pennines Township Fund was delegated to the Pennines Township Committee. Pennines Township Funds were allocated to projects that benefit the Township’s community and environment, and realise Pennines Township priorities. To enable the Pennines Township Committee to monitor and review the use of the Pennines Township Funds to ensure continued efficient and effective use of the funds.   Alternatives considered and rejected: In considering the report, Members would decide whether or not to approve the allocation of funds to projects as appropriate. The alternative to the proposed recommendations would be for Members not to approve the allocation of funds to the projects presented. However, this would limit Rochdale Borough Council’s ability to support initiatives that align with Pennines Township’s priorities and benefit the local community. Members also had the option to defer decisions to request further information or revisions to proposals. Each project is assessed against eligibility criteria to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively and transparently.