Decision details

Josh Mynott, Democratic and Member Services Manager, presented a protocol for the management and award of grants by the county council to the voluntary, community and faith sector to ensure robust governance.  It was explained that the report included a high level summary of the process to be followed and more detailed instructions which included central government guidance.

In response to questions it was clarified that:

·  It was clear in the county council's Constitution that, since the current administration took office in May 2017, all decisions were taken collectively by Cabinet. In circumstances of urgency, the Leader was authorised to take a decision, together with the relevant service Cabinet Member, but these instances were rare. Member Champions were not authorised to approve grants as such decisions were taken by the Director of Corporate Services on the recommendation of each Champion.

·  The wording of the protocol (page 16) would be amended to make it clear that the senior responsible owner was an officer role, and should read the "senior responsible officer".

In response to further questions and comments by councillors, it was agreed that further efforts would be made to contact the recipients of the Neighbourhood Wellbeing Grants in 2016/17 to request outcomes achieved from receipt of the grant funding. Further information would be shared with members as appropriate.  

Following a request from the committee, it was also agreed that the photographic information referred to in the auditor's report which had not been reviewed by the police, be forwarded to the police for consideration.

Resolved:

(i)  That the protocol for the administration of grants to the voluntary and community sector, as set out in the report, now presented, be approved.

(ii)  That the Constitution be amended to ensure all grant schemes operated by the county council follow the protocol and that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to approve the wording to be used in the Constitution. 

(iii)  That the amendments to the Constitution be approved by Full Council in due course.