Agenda and minutes

No declarations were received from Members

Resolved:-   That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June, 2011 be agreed as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report updating members on the progress made with the Grants Review and the revised Third Sector Commissioning Framework. 

Members were asked to comment on the report and recommendations that had been made, as set out on page 12 on Appendix A.

Discussion took place and Members agreed with all of the recommendations except the approach from Staffordshire Community Foundation offering to take on the management of the Council’s grants was unanimously rejected.

Members also discussed the specific grants for theatres, public entertainment and the arts and were divided as to which option would best suit the funding for the New Vic Theatre.  A Service Level Agreement was discussed.

Resolved:-               (a)       That the information be received and the comments be included in the report to Cabinet.

                                    (b)       That the Cabinet be advised that this Committee raised strong objections to the recommendation regarding the involvement of the Staffordshire Community Foundation.

                                    (c)        That the possibility of a three year Service Level Agreement be investigated with funding through the Third Sector Commissioning Framework.  This option would require advertising and increased competition for the available funds.

                                    (d)       That further options be investigated such as option 3 on the agenda with quarterly reports from the New Vic being made available to Members.

                                    (e)       That the Partnership Officer (Community Development) investigates linking performance reports and funding.

Consideration was given to a report regarding the Newcastle Partnership and Borough Council’s review of Locality Action Partnerships.

The review had been completed and Members of this committee were asked for their comments.

Members reported that the LAPs get very few attendees to their meetings.  The question was raised as to where LAPs fitted in with Parish Councils.

It was felt that this subject needed further in depth consideration and requested that the Cabinet be asked for this.  A report would be going on LAPs to September’s Cabinet meeting.

Members requested that information on the recommendations be forwarded to them.

Resolved:-               (a)       That the information be received

                                    (b)       That information on the recommendations be forwarded to Members

                                    (c)        That the Cabinet be requested to give this committee more time to scrutinise this topic

                                    (d)       That further investigation be made into the future funding of LAPS

At the previous meeting of this committee held on 13 June, 2011, Members had requested details on the Bateswood Nature Reserve.  A petition had been presented requesting that the Council allow angling on the pool at the nature

reserve and also for additional bridle route provision. 

Concerns were raised as to the safety of the general public who would be in close proximity to the bridle way.

The cost of managing the angling facilities on a full time basis was also raised as a concern.

A report on this would be going to the Cabinet on 5 September.

Resolved:-   That the information be received.

As this had been discussed at length earlier in the meeting, it was agreed to postpone the consideration of this brief until full comments had been received from the Cabinet

Resolved:-   That the comment be noted

As this had been discussed at length earlier in the meeting, it was agreed to postpone the consideration of this brief until full comments had been received from the Cabinet

Resolved:-   That the comment be noted

Consideration was given to a report identifying the proposed key decisions in the latest version of the Forward Plan and falling within the remit of this Committee.

Resolved:-   That the information be received.

There was no urgent business considered.