Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 14

17 March 2005

Sports Bursary Award Increase

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Tim Dancer Ext: 6283

1. Purpose of the report

1.1 To seek support for an increase in the upper limit of the Sports Bursary awards to a maximum of £700. This increase can be met from within the current Sports Bursary budget.

2. Background

2.1 The Sports Bursary scheme is an important sports development initiative which aims to provide talented and gifted sportspeople within Hampshire with financial assistance. This is used specifically for training, coaching, travelling and equipment expenses. This funding provides the financial support they require to help them attain their full potential and cement Hampshire's status as the country's leading sporting county.

2.2 The Sports Bursary scheme has been in operation for over 25 years, successfully providing financial assistance to Hampshire's most gifted and talented sportspeople. Evidence of the success of this scheme is best demonstrated by the significant number of Olympians, Para-Olympians, National, European and World Champions who have received sports bursaries from Hampshire County Council's Sports Development Service. Some of the most famous and successful names in British sport have benefited from support from Hampshire County Council, including Ben Ainslie, Shirley Robertson and Michael East.

2.3 The range of the Sports Bursary award available to applicants was last increased in 1993 to £150 (minimum award) and £500 (maximum award). However, the costs of performing at the highest levels has increased significantly since this time. Specifically, the cost of training, coaching, travelling and equipment have all risen. An increase in the maximum bursary available from £500 to £700 would help cover these ever increasing costs, and therefore help these sportspeople to reach their full potential.

3. Financial Implications

3.1 The increase in range from a maximum of £500 to £700 can be met from within the existing Sports Bursary budget.

3. Legal Implications

3.1 The Council has wide powers under Section 19 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to provide recreational facilities, and to contribute by way of grant or loans towards expenses incurred by voluntary bodies in providing such facilities.

4. Impact Assessment

4.1 Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the assessment of this application. No adverse impact has been identified.

5. Hampshire County Council's Corporate Strategy

5.1 The increase in the upper limit of Sports Bursary awards from a maximum of £500 to £700 will contribute to the corporate aim of maximising life opportunities by offering talented and gifted sportspeople in Hampshire appropriate financial assistance to help them reach their full potential.

Recommendation

That the maximum Sports Bursary award be increased from £500 to £700.

Section 100 D - 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.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the act

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