Contact: Margaret Plumridge, ext 6173
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Hampshire County Council |
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Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage |
Item 7 |
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14 July 2005 |
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Community Buildings Fund - 2005/06 |
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Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage |
1 Summary
1.1 The County Council works in partnership with specific community organisations particularly community associations and village hall committees who seek to enable local people to meet the recreational, educational, social, cultural and environmental needs of their local communities. These organisations give local people an opportunity to participate in local activities and encourage local initiatives by people of all ages.
2. Purpose of Report
2.1 The purpose of this report is:
i) to provide details of the current financial position of the Community Buildings Fund, and
ii) to provide details of requests for partnership funding from the fund.
2.2 The partnership funding distribution criteria is set out in Appendix 1.
2.3 Projects listed in Appendix 2, with the exception of the application from Valley Park Community Association, meet fully the criteria and have been allocated a proposed level of funding in line with the criteria.
2.4 Projects listed in Appendix 3 have applied for and are eligible for funding. However, further information is required about their funding package before they are brought forward for formal approval.
2. Financial Position
2.1 On 17 March 2005 £150,000 was set aside from the 2005/06 capital programme for Recreation and Heritage to fund applications that meet the criteria during this financial year. Partnership funding approved in this financial year so far totals £79,015 If the proposals in this report amounting to £37,674 are approved £116,689 will have been approved to date in 2005/06 leaving £33,311 for the remainder of the year.
4 Legal Implications
4.1 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 loan towards expenses incurred by voluntary bodies in providing such facilities.
5. Corporate Strategy
5.1 Partnership funding from the Community Buildings Fund enables the community sector to maintain the quality of Hampshire's cultural assets, namely their village halls and community association buildings some of which are listed. This finance enables improvements to be made to those buildings and can assist with the development of new facilities where appropriate. The provision of these buildings by the voluntary sector enables local communities to access the services and facilities they need.
5.2 By providing financial support to these organisations for the maintenance of their buildings the County Council is able to work in partnership with the community sector to achieve the Corporate Aim - Stewardship of the Environment.
6. Impact Assessment
6.1 Organisations applying to this scheme are by their nature defined as accessible to all members of the community. This is embodied within their charitable objects, therefore no groups or organisations should be excluded from any benefit arising from these decisions. Furthermore a new application procedure is shortly to be introduced which will include equalities monitoring information agreed as part of the corporate review of grants programmes and procedures.
Recommendations
The following decision is sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £37,674 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund for 2005/06 as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
New Forest |
3,523 |
Christ Church, Colbury Church Rooms |
New Forest |
1,125 |
Denmead War Memorial Hall |
Winchester |
4,070 |
Froyle Village Hall |
East Hants |
10,000 |
Highclere Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
12,500 |
North Hayling Recreation Hall |
Havant |
1,821 |
St Marks Church, Olivers Battery |
Winchester |
2,098 |
Valley Park Community Association |
Test Valley |
870 |
Yateley Women's Institute |
Hart |
1,667 |
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Total |
37,674 |
Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents
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:
Published works
Documents, which disclose exempt or confidential information as, defined in the act.
Title Location
Applications for financial assistance Community Support Service
Appendix 1
The application criteria for the Community Grants Fund is as follows:
Partnership funding is granted for:
· Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments
· Health and Safety issues
· Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage
· Feasibility Studies
Who can apply:
· Village Halls (not parish run halls)
· Community Associations
· Other similar community groups
· Church Organisations that have a separate community programme on their property
Funding criteria:
· For projects costing less than £15,000, the funding criteria is up to one third of the cost.
· For projects costing more than £15,000, the grant is calculated at 50% of the combined district and parish contribution up to a maximum of 25% of the project costs or £12,500, whichever is the lesser.
· Feasibility Studies - applications will be considered for 50% of the cost up to a maximum of £500
Priority Criteria:
1. Health and safety issues that could result in the building being closed or activities seriously curtailed if the work is not carried out.
2. The work is absolutely essential in order to meet the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act. (It has been widely publicised that these types of buildings will not be closed provided reasonable steps have been taken to meet the terms of the Act).
3. The project is part of a phased development and this element is essential to it's overall completion.
4. Non priority work.
Appendix 2
Priority 1 Health and Safety
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Valley Park Community Association |
Test Valley |
870 |
Yateley Women's Institute |
Hart |
1,667 |
Total |
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2,537 |
Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
New Forest |
3,523 |
Christ Church, Colbury Church Rooms |
New Forest |
1,125 |
Froyle Village Hall |
East Hants |
10,000 |
Highclere Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
12,500 |
St Marks Church, Olivers Battery |
Winchester |
2,098 |
Total |
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29,246 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Denmead War Memorial Hall |
Winchester |
4,070 |
North Hayling Recreation Hall |
Havant |
1,821 |
Total |
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5,891 |
Applications awaiting further information on their funding package:
Hall/ Centre |
District |
£ |
Priority |
Beech Village Hall |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
1 |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
New Forest |
12,500 |
4 |
Rockbourne Village Hall |
New Forest |
5,000 |
2 |
Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney |
Winchester |
4,500 |
3 |
Total |
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34,500 |
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Name: |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Katherine Heron, has been consulted. |
Project: |
To provide toilet facilities for disabled people. |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments Health & safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities Assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Organisation defined as a Village Hall, no equalities statement included. Users defined as General Public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£10,569 |
General Reserves: |
£7,360 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The toilets need to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £5,000 New Forest District Council - no funds available at this time Martin Parish Council - £500 applied for (date of decision unknown) Awards for all - £5,000 granted |
Notes: |
The cost of this project has been reduced and now only covers the building of the disabled toilets. |
Recommendation: |
£3,523 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Christ Church, Colbury Church Rooms |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Mel Kendal, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Extend hall to provide disabled toilet facilities |
Priority: |
2-Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Equipment to improve the buildings and increase usage |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities Assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. This organisation is a church. |
Cost: |
£40,105 |
General Reserves: |
£1,781 shown as reserves - (overall unrestricted funds stood at £186,458 as at 31 Dec 2003 for all church purposes) |
Project Reserves: |
£596 set aside in Church Rooms fund |
Statement: |
The work is necessary to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
New Forest District Council - £2,000 confirmed Colbury Parish Council - £250 confirmed |
Recommendation: |
£1,125 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions. |
Name: |
Denmead War Memorial Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Frederick Allgood, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbish toilets |
Priority: |
4 - Non priority works |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities Assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. This organisation is registered as a Village Hall. No equalities statement provided. Users defined as General Public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£12,211 |
General Reserves: |
£9,000 |
Project Reserves: |
nil |
Statement: |
The current toilet facilities are badly designed as the ladies is smaller than the gents and too small for pregnant women or mothers with children. This work will exchange the areas and refurbish the facilities. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £2,035 Winchester City Council - £4,070 applied for Denmead Parish Council - £2,035 applied for |
Recommendation: |
£4,070 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Froyle Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Mark Kemp-Gee, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbish gents toilets, extend entrance hall to make room for new disabled toilet. |
Priority: |
2-Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Charitable objects list the organisation as a Village Hall and includes equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young People, Elderly/Old People, General Public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£50,055 |
General Reserves: |
£41,943 shown as free reserves as at 31 December 2004 |
Project Reserves: |
£80,274 in `New Hall capital account' |
Statement: |
This work is to provide more space to cope with village events as well as provide disabled toilets to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £12,055 East Hampshire District Council - £15,000 applied for Froyle Parish Council - £5,000 applied for Donations from residents - £8,000 |
Notes: |
This replaces a previous application reported in Appendix 3 in May that had been deferred pending further funding applications. Scope and cost of project now reduced. |
Recommendation: |
50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions to a maximum of £10,000 subject to confirmation of these contributions. |
Name: |
Highclere Village Hall |
Local Member: |
The local member, Cllr John Maxwell, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbish hall to include: · Creation of disabled toilet · Improved access for elderly and disabled · Removal of all damp and noise pollution · Improved insulation · Enlarged floor area and seating capacity · Upgrading and updating of electrics
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Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. Health and Safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. |
Cost: |
£159,875 |
General Reserves: |
£18,023 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
These works were identified following local consultation and an access audit. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £20,000 Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council - £43,000 confirmed Highclere Parish Council - £5,000 applied for Local donations - £6,875 |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of the combined contributions from District and Parish Councils subject to maximum limit and confirmation. |
Name: |
North Hayling Recreation Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Ted Gale, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Resurface car park |
Priority: |
4 - Non priority works |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Building registered as a Reading Room. No equalities statement included. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a Disability/Special Needs, Other Charities/Voluntary bodies, General Public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£5,464 |
General Reserves: |
£3,500 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The car park surface has sunk and deteriorated and is a danger to users. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £2,700 No details on further applications given. |
Recommendation: |
£1,821 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
St Mark's Church, Olivers Battery, Winchester |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Charlotte Bailey, has been consulted and she supports the application. |
Project: |
Improve access and provide disabled toilets to comply with Disability Discrimination Act |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Equipment to improve the building and increase usage Health & safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities Assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. This organisation is a church. |
Cost: |
£6,295 |
General Reserves: |
£10,000 set aside as reserves. Accounts show approx £29,000 in general fund for Church Purposes |
Project Reserves: |
Rewiring fund - £910, Building improvement fund - £3,367 |
Statement: |
This work is required to comply with Disability Discrimination Act |
Funding: |
Winchester City Council - £500 applied for Olivers Battery Parish Council - application made - no amount specified Badger Farm Parish Council - application made - no amount specified |
Notes: |
This church is a multi-use designed building that doubles for religious and community use. Community groups include Women's Group, WI, Club Hampshire, Aerobics, Ballroom Dancing, Brownies, Parish Council, Winchester City Museums Service and other uses to support the community including private functions. |
Recommendation: |
£2,098 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Valley Park Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Alan Dowden, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Repaving of area to the front and side of Community Centre |
Priority: |
1 - Health & safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment Health & Safety Issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities Assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Organisation defined as a Community Association having an equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young People,
Elderly/Old People, People with a Disability/Special Needs
People of a particular ethnic or racial origin, Other defined groups
General Public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£5,217 |
General Reserves: |
£22,530 declared on application which equates to approx 12 months running costs. However, accounts show a declared general reserve of £34,355 as at 31st August 2004 which equates to 153% or over 18 months running costs. |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The present areas are very uneven and already members of the public and staff have tripped and fallen down. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - £1,122 applied for - refused as reserves level too high North Baddesley Parish Council - £652 applied for Own funds - £1,722 |
Recommendation: |
Although the level of reserves is very significant it is recommended that a contribution of £870 be made representing one sixth of the project cost. |
Name: |
Yateley Women's Institute |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Adrian Collett, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Repairs to kitchen and electrical installations |
Priority: |
1- Health & safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. Health & safety issues |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Charitable objects list the organisation as a Women's Institute. No equalities statement included. Users defined as Elderly/Old People, Other defined groups. |
Cost: |
£5,000 |
General Reserves: |
£1,000 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
Damage has occurred due to leaks in roof prior to its replacement last year. Health and Safety Officer has required works to be carried out. |
Funding: |
No details of other funding application have been provided. Own funds - £1,000 |
Recommendation: |
£1,667 as one third of project cost. |
Appendix 3
Organisations that have applied for and are eligible for funding but more information about their funding package is required
Name: |
Beech Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Mark Kemp-Gee |
Project: |
Demolish and replace existing building with new hall |
Priority: |
1 - Health and Safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment (new building) |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will provide new facilities for the use of the community |
Cost: |
£746,000 |
General Reserves: |
£3,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£20,000 |
Statement: |
This project is needed to provide adequate meeting and recreational facilities within Beech as recommended in the village survey and analysis carried out in December 2002, and to ensure such facilities are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. |
Funding: |
East Hampshire District Council - £24,000 confirmed Beech Parish Council - £10,000 confirmed Own funds - £20,000 Lottery application - £300,000 (planned to be submitted in October 2004) Local fundraising - £266,000 Other sources - £100,000 |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contribution subject to maximum funding limit. |
Notes - Date and status of lottery application to be confirmed
Name: |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr. Ken Thornber |
Project: |
Extend village hall to provide new stage, craft room and exhibition space. |
Priority: |
4 Non Priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend its use to the community |
Cost: |
£821,000 |
General Reserves: |
£112,500 |
Project Reserves: |
£160,000 for development of buildings other than the Village Hall held as restricted funds |
Statement: |
The aim of the project is to extend the village hall to enable the provision of a cultural and arts centre for both Brockenhurst and the surrounding area. |
Funding: |
New Forest District Council - application made - no amount specified Brockenhurst Parish Council - application made - £40,000 Arts Council - application made - £600,000 (decision not yet made) Additional applications made to 12 charitable trusts |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contributions subject to maximum funding limit and confirmation |
Notes |
Status of Arts Council bid to be confirmed June - Arts Council bid unsuccessful October - approximately £165,000 raised. Scope of project now reduced to around £400,000. - £50,000 confirmed from Landfill tax December - Current total £200,000 Awaiting decision from District Council - due November 2005 |
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Name: |
Rockbourne Village Hall |
Local Member: |
Cllr Katherine Heron comments that this is a small village on the county border and consequently the precept is very small. She requests that a larger contribution be considered. |
Project: |
Extend and refurbish hall to provide new and accessible facilities including new meeting room, kitchen, storage and toilets. |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment |
Links to Corporate Strategy |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community |
Cost: |
£150,000 |
General Reserves: |
£7,900 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
This work will particularly benefit older and disabled people living in Rockbourne which has poor public transport and no community transport scheme. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £8,150 New Forest District Council - £9,000 applied for Rockbourne Parish Council - £1,000 applied for Community Fund/DEFRA £127,350 applied for (response not expected before end of 2004) |
Notes: |
We have already contributed £500 in 2003/04 to a feasibility study. This study has also been supported by the Community Fund, district and parish councils. This application is for the main building project. |
Recommendation: |
50% of the combined district and parish council contributions to a maximum of £5,000 subject to confirmation (based on notified contributions) |
Note - Date and status of Community Fund/DEFRA bid to be confirmed
Name: |
Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney |
Consultation: |
Cllr Jackie Porter |
Project: |
Complete final phase of refurbishment by replacing south west store extension. |
Priority: |
3 - final phase of major refurbishment. |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. |
Links to Corporate Strategy: Equalities assessment |
Improving buildings to enable local communities to access the services and facilities they need. This project will improve the facilities and extend their use to the community. Charitable objects contain an equalities statement. Users defined as General Public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£43,786 |
General Reserves: |
No significant reserves are held as at 31/12/2003. |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
This store has serious problems with roof leaks and the damp has permeated the structure. This project will completely rebuild this part of the building to complete the refurbishment. |
Funding: |
Own funding - £10,000 Winchester City Council - confirmed £6,000 Sutton Scotney Parish Council - confirmed £3,000 2 further applications to be made to charitable trusts. |
Recommendation: |
50% of combined district and parish council contributions up to a maximum of £4,500. |
