Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bannister, Mrs Cornes and Mrs Heames.

To agree as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2012.

Resolved:-   That the minutes of the meeting of this Panel held on 27 February 2012 be approved as a correct record.

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included in this agenda

Councillor Stringer declared an interest in the Community Chest application submitted by Audley Parish Council (member of Parish Council).

Consideration was given to six applications for financial assistance from the Small Grants Scheme.

Resolved:-   (a)       That the following grant be approved:-

                        (b)       That no grant be awarded at this time in respect of the application submitted by the Midland Franco Anglo Association without prejudice to a revised application being submitted at a later date, following discussions with the officers, regarding additional information required by the Panel sufficient to enable an informed decision to be made.

                        (c)        That consideration of the application submitted by Vitalise be deferred to a subsequent meeting to enable the officers to secure further information from the applicants including clarification on how many borough residents are likely to benefit from the proposed respite care breaks.

                        (d)       That in respect of the application submitted by Newcastle-under-Lyme 50+ Forum, the applicant be requested to review procedure for the distribution of the quarterly newsletter and to explore alternative printing arrangements making use of technology that may be an offer/available at local schools and/or colleges.

                        (e)       That the possibility of a further grant of up to £1250 being made to The North Staffordshire Polish Day Care Centre be considered at the meeting of the Panel scheduled for 3 March 2013 subject to the satisfactory outcome of discussions between the applicant and the officers to clarify the provision of activities aimed at younger persons.

The panel considered eight applications for Cultural Grants:-

Resolved:-   (a)       That the following grants be awarded:-

                        (b)       That consideration of the application submitted by North Staffs Symphony Orchestra be deferred to a subsequent meeting to enable the applicant to provide additional information to clarify the following issues raised by Panel Members:

·        How are concerts marketed?

·        How many attended previous events?

·        What is done to attract a younger audience?

                        (c)        That consideration of the application submitted by Keele Concerts Society be deferred to a subsequent meeting to enable the Panel to be updated on the outcome of other applications for financial assistance made by the applicant.

                        (d)       The consideration of the application submitted by Cauldwell Children be deferred to a subsequent meeting to enable the Panel to be updated on the outcome of an application for financial assistance made by the applicant to Staffordshire County Council and the involvement of the Ambassador Theatre Group Creative Learning Team.  The Panel also asked for confirmation of the venue to be used for the workshops.

                        (e)      

Consideration was given to a report advising members of Community Chest applications processed for the periods April 2011 to March 2012 and April 2012 to June 2012.

The Panel was also asked to note the action taken by the Chair to approve an application made by Kidsgrove Town Council in the sum of £500 in regard of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.  Although approved, the Panel was advised that the grant had not been taken up due to the application being subsequently withdrawn.

The Panel also considered an application made by Audley Parish Council for resurfacing of car parks at Halmer End (Podmore Lane) and Audley Methodist Church at a cost of £350.

Resolved:-   (a)       That the Panel note the applications received and processed to date.

                        (b)       That the application submitted by Audley Parish Council in the sum of £350 be supported.

                        (c)        That the situation regarding withdrawal of the application made by Kidsgrove Town Council be noted.