Contact: Margaret Plumridge, ext 6173
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Hampshire County Council |
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Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage |
Item 5 |
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21 September 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 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 £116,819. If the proposals in this report amounting to £29,607 are approved, £146,426 will have been approved to date in 2005/06 leaving £3,574 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 £29,607 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund for 2005/06 as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Crawley Village Hall |
Winchester |
9,750 |
Headley Down Community Association |
East Hampshire |
3,200 |
Hook Village Hall Community Association |
Hart |
1,053 |
Lockerley & East Dean War Memorial Hall |
Test Valley |
7,640 |
Penwood Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
214 |
The Grain Trust, Alton |
East Hampshire |
7,750 |
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Total |
29,607 |
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 |
£ |
Total |
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Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Crawley Village Hall |
Winchester |
9,750 |
Total |
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9,750 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Headley Down Community Association |
East Hampshire |
3,200 |
Hook Village Community Association |
Hart |
1,053 |
Lockerly & East Dean War Memorial Hall |
Test Valley |
7,640 |
Penwood Village Hall |
Basingstoke & Deane |
214 |
The Grain House Trust |
East Hampshire |
7,750 |
Total |
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19,857 |
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 |
Total |
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30,000 |
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Name: |
Crawley Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Charlotte Bailey, has been consulted. |
Project: |
_ New toilets to meet DDA _ rebuild kitchen _ repair roof _ damp-proof walls _ install new floor _ general refurbishment to hall and furnishings |
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 with equalities statement included. Users defined as Other Defined Groups. |
Cost: |
£98,315 |
General Reserves: |
£11,000 declared but accounts show total reserve of approx £30,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£6,000 designated to this project |
Statement: |
Crawley Village Hall is the last remaining community facility available in the Parish. The hall has suffered and still retains its rather tatty 1950s look and facilities. This project aims to modernise it and make it more attractive to users. |
Funding: |
Own funding - £6,000 Local fund-raising - £50,000 Crawley Parish Council - £7,500 received Winchester City Council - £12,000 received Garfield Weston Foundation - £5,000 received |
Recommendation: |
£9,750 as 50% of combined contribution from District and Parish Councils |
Name: |
Headley Down Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Sam James, has been consulted. |
Project: |
_ Upgrade CCTV, fire and security alarm systems _ Refurbish kitchen _ Repair and redecorate ladies toilets _ Repair or renew light fittings throughout building _ Repair external fencing _ Refurbish exterior ramp _ Install exterior equipment - dog-grid, litter bin and letter box. |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
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. Organisation defined as a Community Association with equalities statement included. Users defined as Children/Young people,
Other defined groups, General public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£13,100 |
General Reserves: |
No accounts provided and no reserves declared (as at 15/08/05). Previous years accounts are available. |
Project Reserves: |
None declared |
Statement: |
Advice has been given that the security systems need to be upgraded. The kitchen, whilst structurally sound, is in need of redecoration and repair, including replacement of fixtures and fittings. New equipment is also needed including dishwasher, food mixer and toaster. The ladies toilets require full redecoration and repairs. Electrical fittings throughout the building need repair and replacement. Externally the perimeter fencing is in need of repair, the ramp to the main entrance needs replacing and items of external equipment are needed. |
Funding: |
Hampshire Police Authority - £3,000 confirmed East Hampshire District Council - £4,900 confirmed Headley Parish Council - £2,000 confirmed Note - no own funds have been allocated for this project |
Recommendation: |
£3,200 as shortfall of project cost (less than one third of project cost) Subject to receipt of satisfactory accounts. |
Name: |
Hook Village Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Jonathan Glen, has been consulted. |
Project: |
_ Install extra toilet in small hall _ Install storage area |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
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. Organisation defined as a Community Association with equalities statement included. Users not defined. |
Cost: |
£4553.75 |
General Reserves: |
£11,226 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
We have communal toilet facilities available to all users. However, it has been felt for a while that having a small toilet facility in the small hall would be beneficial to all who use it, particularly the nursery who currently have to escort children to the toilets as they are outside the secure nursery area. The storage is required to make the room safe for children to have access independently and also for more efficient use of space thereby making space for the toilet facility. |
Funding: |
Hook Village Nursery - £2,500 confirmed Own Funds - £1,000 Hart District Council- No application made Hook Parish Council - No application made |
Recommendation: |
£1,053 as balance of project cost (less than one third of project cost) |
Name: |
Lockerley & East Dean War Memorial Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Michael Woodhall, has been consulted. |
Project: |
_ Replace an 80 year old septic tank _ Install new drainage in car park area _ Re-surface and re-line car park |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
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. Organisation defined as a Village Hall with equalities statement included. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£30,560 |
General Reserves: |
£9,405 |
Project Reserves: |
£6,137 |
Statement: |
The septic tank is very old and occasionally overflows making it very difficult in the car park for users. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - £11,460 applied for (decision August 2005) Lockerley Parish Council - £3,750 confirmed East Dean Parish Council - £70 confirmed Own funds - £7,640 (some fund raising included) |
Recommendation: |
£7,640 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions subject to confirmation of District contribution. |
Name: |
Penwood Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr John Maxwell, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replace old chairs |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
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. Organisation defined as a Village Hall with equalities statement included. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£642 |
General Reserves: |
£2,361 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The existing chairs are over 30 years old and have had to be scrapped. It is hoped to purchase flat pack chairs with storage racks. |
Funding: |
No other funders have been identified |
Recommendation: |
£214 as one third of the project cost. |
Name: |
The Grain House Trust, Alton |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Anthony Ludlow, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Fitting out phase of a larger project to produce a new community facility. This projects covers the fitting out of a kitchen |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
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. Charitable objects list the organisation as a Christian charity to advance the Christian faith. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, Other charities/Voluntary bodies, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£36,860 |
General Reserves: |
£25,578 |
Project Reserves: |
£14,000 designated to this project |
Statement: |
The Grain House Trust plans to use the centre to facilitate a greater level of activity and expects to see it actively used each day as a centre for the community as well as the home of a lively church fellowship, relating well with other churches, care agencies and other public services in the area. The current lunch club run in this area has a waiting list and the trust intends to complement this by providing a 2 course meal for 50-100 elderly of the community one or two days per month. |
Funding: |
Alton Town Council - £500 confirmed East Hampshire District Council - £15,000 confirmed Own Funds - £14,000 |
Notes: |
Although not specifically a church, this is a religious based charity that provides a facility for the wider community. This is a new facility built at a total cost of approx £3.75 million. This project application is only for kitchen fitting out costs. Without prejudice permission has been granted. |
Recommendation: |
£7,750 as 50% of the combined District & Town Council contributions. |
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
