Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Resources (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Resources (circulated previously) regarding the new Climate and Environment Grants Scheme for Parish Councils 2020-2023.

The Head of Resources highlighted the following:

·         Following the decision by the Committee on 4^th November 2019 to approve an annual contribution of £20,000 for the next 3 years to an earmarked reserve in order that smaller Parishes could apply for funding for specific projects with a strong emphasis on sustainability and countering climate change, a draft policy for the financial years 2020/21 to 2022/23 had been formulated together with an application form.

·         The draft policy included: the purpose of the scheme and how the funding could be used by Parish Councils; detailed the Parish Councils which were eligible to apply which had a population of less than 1000; two funding rounds with the deadlines for the receipt of applications ending on 31^st August and 31^st January. Up to 50% of the total fund may be allocated for each funding round; evidence to be provided by Parish Councils; types of grants that could not be supported; details of how to apply; processing procedure and decision making process; any unallocated funds would be rolled-over to the following financial year. The final year for the roll over of unallocated funds to the next financial year would be 2021/22. Any underspend from the financial year 2022/23 would not be rolled over.

In response to a question, the Head of Resources advised that a review of public conveniences was scheduled to be undertaken and a report would be brought back to the Committee in due course.