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1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the principles of the Good Neighbour Award Scheme contained within this report and agrees to make a provision of up to £5,000 towards the costs of the Scheme from the Corporate Entertainment Budget.

2 Reason

2.1 The County Council promoted in 2005 a Good Neighbour Award Scheme in co-operation with the Hampshire Voluntary Group Advisory Service. The Scheme was aimed at publicly recognising those volunteers within Hampshire who undertook work for their older community the effect of which is to assist them to live longer and more happily within their own home environment by maintaining their independence. The Scheme was therefore supportive of aims 1 and 4 of the Corporate Strategy by maximising life opportunities and building strong communities. The Award Scheme was highly successful and for those reasons it is proposed to repeat it.

3 Other options considered and rejected - The only other option is to decide not to proceed with the Good Neighbour Award Scheme for 2006, which for the reasons given above is not recommended.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted - Not applicable.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6 Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by Date of decision

Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE 21 September, 2005