Agenda and minutes

To agree as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June, 2011

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th June be approved as a correct record.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider applications submitted to the Small Grants Scheme for the final quarter

The panel considered the applications submitted with a view to determining whether a grant should be awarded and if so at what level. At the meeting held on 14^th June 2011 a total of £4,800 was awarded which left a balance of £17,200.

The Committee considered that a grant should not be awarded to the North Staffs Special Adventure Playground for the acquisition of a lease for a new outdoor play area due to the fact that this grant would be used cover the legal fees required to complete a lease agreement with the Council. It was stated that investigations had been carried out regarding the possibility of a reduction in fees for the NSSAP but this had not been possible. The Committee agreed that a letter be drafted to the Leader of the Council regarding the charging policy for charitable organisations.

The Committee discussed the issue of repeat grant applications as concern had been expressed about applicants submitting applications on an annual basis. The Committee agreed that applications would be accepted for 2 consecutive years but that there would then have to be a break of one year before any further applications would be accepted. This policy would also be carried over to the Cultural Grants Scheme.

The Committee was informed of a grants review that had been undertaken by the Council.

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

(b)               That a letter be written to the Leader of the Council regarding charging charitable organisations.

(c)               That grants be accepted to 2 consecutive years and then a one year break and that this policy also apply to cultural grants.

To inform Members of Community Chest applications which have been received.

A report was submitted informing Members of Community Chest applications that had been processed for the period April 2011 to August 2011.

The panel discussed the application from Kidsgrove Town Council but due to the fact that the application had been submitted retrospectively the application was refused.

Resolved: -   (a)       That the application from Kidsgrove Town Council be refused.

To consider applications which have been received for Cultural Grants

The applications for cultural Grants were discussed by the Committee. It was considered that further information was required regarding Art Brasil before a decision could be made. It was stated that dance classes were currently being held at Keele University and the Committee requested that information regarding attendance at theses classes and the proposed workshops be sough along with details as to the when the events would be happening. If the events were imminent then the Committee agreed that answers to the above questions could be emailed to them in order for a decision to be made.

Resolved: -   (a) That the following applications be granted:

                        (b) That further information be sought regarding Art Brasil and emailed to the Committee prior to a decision being made.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972