Decision Maker: North Local Area Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 10, 2024

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Committee considered a report of the Community Services Manager on the funding allocated to the North Local Area Committee and the proposals for its allocation and expenditure for 2024-25 in line with the priorities of the North Local Area Committee, namely:   Improving local transport through practical Highways improvements and promoting better public transport?;   Improving community safety; and   Improving community life.     9.2 The following areas of expenditure were proposed, totalling £80,000:   a)    £50,000 Great North budget, for voluntary sector groups to apply for up to £5000 for projects to meet local needs;   b)    £25,000 NextGen North Fund (using £15,000 of North Local Area Committee funds and £10,000 from Youth Services) for voluntary sector groups to apply for up to £5,000 for projects working with local children and young people;   c)     £10,000 fund to support local food poverty initiatives; and   d)    A £5,000 operations budget.     9.3 RESOLVED: That the North Local Area Committee:   a)    Agrees the recommendations set out for use of the 2024-25 budget;   b)    Notes the expenditure against the £100,000 budget to address local priorities in the North Local Area Committee as detailed in the report; and   c)     Authorises the Community Services Manager, in consultation with the Local Area Committee Chair, to finalise the eligibility criteria and make decisions, following engagement with the relevant Ward Members, on the award of the grant funds proposed of up to £5,000.     9.4 Reasons for Decision       The North Local Area Committee is asked to note the use of funding under delegated authority and agree the further expenditure outlined in the report to address the identified local priorities within the North Local Area Committee Community Plan.     9.5 Alternatives Considered and Rejected       The North Local Area Committee could choose not to allocate budgets at this stage, but this would delay local projects and facilities for local communities.   Decisions on grant awards could be reserved to the North Local Area Committee, 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 Local Area Committee’s ability to monitor its delegated budget and delivery of the Community Plan.