Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Resolved:               That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September, 2015 be agreed as a correct record.

At the previous meeting of the Panel an application had been considered by Revitalise. Members had deferred a decision and requested that a representative from the charity attend to give a presentation.

Andrew Baker, Trusts & Foundations Manager for Revitalise, attended to give a presentation which outlined the work of Revitalise (formerly Vitalise) a national charity that provides respite holiday breaks for people with disabilities and their carers in three centres in England. Members received a hand out of the slides and a copy of an Impact Report 2015.

Members were then invited to ask questions.

Cllr. Winfield asked how many people from Newcastle-under-Lyme use their services. Andrew replied that in the last year for which they have figures they had a total of 22 guests from the ST5 and ST7 postcode areas. Since this did not include the CW3 and TF9 postcode areas the number was probably higher.

Cllr. Naylon asked how Revitalise was funded. Andrew explained that the largest source of funding was from charges to guests, some of whom used their personal budgets to pay. In addition they receive funding from Local Authorities, Charitable Trusts, and increasingly from commissioning through CCGs.

Cllr. Cooper asked how much carers were charged for staying at their Centres. Andrew explained that the rates for carers were lower than the rates for disabled guests, and that some guests used the service to give their carer a break. He also explained that the charity have a fund which can be accessed by people who would otherwise be unable to afford to stay.

Cllr. Rout asked whether, if it was decided to award a grant, Revitalise would be able to ensure that funding was used for Newcastle-under-Lyme residents. Andrew replied that they would.

Andrew was thanked for his attendance, and Members discussed the application further.

Resolved:      That the information be received and the comments noted

(i)               The Panel considered six applications for a Sports Grant.

(ii)              Members expressed concern about the apparent low level of applications being received and grants approved.

Resolved:   That a breakdown of applications received and grants awarded to date for 2015/16 with comparative figures for the same stage for 2014/15 be provided

Resolved:That Members receive a briefing at the next meeting giving a reminder of the criteria and classifications for Sports Grants.

The Panel considered a report advising of Community Chest applications processed to date for 2014/15.

Resolved:               That the Panel notes the applications received and

processed to date.

The Panel considered seven applications for Small Grants.

The Panel noted the current expenditure on Green Grants.

Resolved:

(i)               The Panel considered four applications for Cultural Grants.

There was no Urgent Business.