Contact: Review Team Leader Paddy Hillary, ext 7391

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

1.2 That the outcomes of the Best Value Review of support for the voluntary and community sector, which has been led by the Policy and Resources Policy Review Committee, are implemented as recommended in the attached outcome report and detailed in the Improvement Plan.

1.3 That the following comments made by the Policy Review Committee are taken into account:

· Members wish to continue to be involved in the implementation and monitoring of the improvement programme and have asked for reports to the PRC every 6 months.

1.4 That the following items which have budgetary implications are considered within the budget planning cycle:

· The creation of a database of grant applications at a cost of up to £15,000

· The creation of a temporary post for 1 year, at a scale to be evaluated, at approximately £23,000 (including on costs) to be met from within current budgetary provision.

1.5 That the costs be met from pro rata contributions across the grants base.

2 Reason

2.1 The Best Value review is contained in the current review programme. Implementation of the recommended improvements will contribute to the successful fulfilment of that programme.

2.2 Future progress with the improvement plan will be monitored annually by the Policy and Resources Policy Review Committee and reported to the public and auditors through the Performance Plan. The Performance Plan forms part of the council's policy framework and is published on the website and audited annually.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Full details of the options considered by the Policy and Resources Policy Review Committee are contained in the options / outcomes report at its meeting on 26/02/2002.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1 None known or declared

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

Records of the Voluntary and Community Sector Best Value review team meetings and working papers of the Best Value Review, held by the Review Team Leader.