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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17 November 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 £146,426. The proposals in this report amount to £31,707 and, if agreed, would exceed the capital programme sum allocated. Ongoing financial support is crucial to the development of a successful partnership with the voluntary and community sector and in recognition of this there is a recommendation in the finance and performance monitoring report (elsewhere on the agenda) to allocate a further £50,000 from available capital programme resources in the current year.
2.2 If these proposals are approved total partnership funding allocated to date this year will be £178,133 leaving a further £21,867 available for the remaining two decision meetings in January and March 2006.
2.3 An application from All Saints Church, Botley has been received which meets the criteria but has been deferred and placed in Appendix 3 as a number of very significant funding sources are at this stage unconfirmed.
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.
7. Crime Reduction
7.1 The project proposed by Crofton Community Association will assist with crime reduction in the area around the community centre.
Recommendations
The following decision is sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £31,707 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund for 2005/06 as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Abbey United Reform Church, Romsey |
Test Valley |
9,625 |
Beaulieu Village Hall Trust |
New Forest |
2,997 |
Bisterne Village Hall |
New Forest |
1,228 |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
New Forest |
12,500 |
Crofton Community Centre |
Fareham |
1,512 |
Petersfield Community Centre |
East Hampshire |
3,000 |
Warnford Village Hall |
Winchester |
845 |
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Total |
£31,707 |
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 |
£ |
Bisterne Village Hall |
New Forest |
1,228 |
Total |
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£1,228 |
Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Abbey United Reform Church, Romsey |
Test Valley |
9,625 |
Total |
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£9,625 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Beaulieu Village Hall Trust |
New Forest |
2,997 |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
New Forest |
12,500 |
Crofton Community Centre Petersfield Community Centre |
Fareham East Hampshire |
1,512 3,000 |
Warnford Village Hall |
Winchester |
845 |
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Total |
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20,854 |
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Applications awaiting further information on their funding package:
Hall/ Centre |
District |
£ |
Priority |
All Saints Church, Botley |
Eastleigh |
Not known |
4 |
Beech Village Hall |
East Hampshire |
12,500 |
1 |
Rockbourne Village Hall |
New Forest |
5,000 |
2 |
Total |
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17,500 |
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Name: |
Abbey United Reform Church, Romsey |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Mark Cooper, has been consulted and he supports this application. |
Project: |
New kitchen with access to hall plus disabled access and facilities |
Priority: |
2 - DDA |
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 Church. |
Cost: |
£148,466 (hall only part of a larger project costing £360,000) |
General Reserves: |
£15,000 (end of 2004) |
Project Reserves: |
Designated funds - £74,343 Restricted Funds - £97,047 These funds set aside for various church projects including some building development funds |
Statement: |
The objectives of the scheme are to make the church premises more attractive and inviting. There is a major emphasis placed on improving facilities in both the church and the hall, for children, the elderly and disabled people. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - £18,750 applied for Romsey Town Council - £500 received Other various - £119,735 Own Funds - £169,807 |
Recommendation: |
£9,625 as 50% of combined District and Town Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Beaulieu Village Hall Trust |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Ken Thornber, has been consulted and he supports this application. |
Project: |
Refurbish toilets |
Priority: |
4 - non-priority |
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. Organisation defined as a Village Hall with equalities statement included. Users defined as General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£8,992 |
General Reserves: |
£24,094 (as at 30 Sept 2004) |
Project Reserves: |
£22,000 - Premises maintenance fund |
Statement: |
The village hall committee feel that refurbishment of the toilets is well overdue as there has been no money spent on them since the hall was built. The decision to apply for a grant is because the work is to cost more than we budgeted for. |
Funding: |
No other applications made. |
Notes |
This application was originally made to Policy and Resources. |
Recommendation: |
The recorded free and project reserves equate to approx 9 years annual running costs which is high and any organisation with such substantial reserves would not normally be considered for funding. However, this project itself would equate to nearly 2 years running costs so it is recommended that a contribution of £2,997 be agreed as one third of the project cost. |
Name: |
Bisterne Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Nigel Clarke, has been consulted and he supports this application. |
Project: |
Replace tables and chairs |
Priority: |
1 - Health and 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 Village Hall - no equalities statement. Users defined as General public/mankind |
Cost: |
£3,684 |
General Reserves: |
£2,991 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The existing tables and chairs are over 50 years old and unsafe for use. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £1,000 Ringwood Town Council - £250 confirmed New Forest District Council - application made - no amount specified. Ringwood Carnival - £100 applied for |
Recommendation: |
£1,228 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Brockenhurst Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Ken Thornber, has been consulted and he supports this application. |
Project: |
Extend village hall to provide 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 their use to the community. |
Cost: |
£350,415 |
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 - £10,000 confirmed further £40,000 pending decision. Brockenhurst Parish Council - £40,000 confirmed Onyx - £50,000 confirmed Defra - £54,126 confirmed Own funds - £144,289 |
Recommendation: |
£12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contributions subject to maximum funding limit. |
Notes |
As its funding package has now been put together this project has now been brought forward from Appendix 3. This Village Hall have worked hard to raise funds and now have sufficient to start the works as a phased project. |
Name: |
Crofton Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Tim Knight, has been consulted and he supports the application. |
Project: |
Installation of internal CCTV system. |
Priority: |
4 - non-priority. |
Criteria: |
Health & safety issues 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. Objectives not stated - no equalities information. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, Other charities/Voluntary bodies
General public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£4,536 |
General Reserves: |
£53,651 |
Project Reserves: |
£64,436 as designated reserves under reserves policy. |
Statement: |
To protect staff and visitors against crime and anti-social behaviour and act as a deterrent against vandalism. |
Funding: |
Fareham Borough Council - application to be made. Own funds - £1,512 |
Recommendation: |
£1,512 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Petersfield Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Michael Cartwright, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Renew central heating system |
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. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as Other charities/Voluntary bodies, General public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£23,291 |
General Reserves: |
£6,800 |
Project Reserves: |
Designated project funds £41,500, £6,000 of which designated to this project |
Statement: |
The present system is many years old and has been added to over the years until it is now overcomplicated and inefficient. It is at the end of its life. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £6,000 East Hampshire District Council - £5,000 applied for (decision Spring 2006) Petersfield Town Council - £1,000 applied for (decision Feb 2006) |
Recommendation: |
£3,000 as 50% of combined district and town council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Warnford Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Felicity Hindson, has been consulted and she supports this application. |
Project: |
Refurbish floor, interior redecoration and purchase new chairs. |
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, other charities/voluntary bodies, People with a disability/Special Needs, general public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£2,536 |
General Reserves: |
£2,800 |
Project Reserves: |
£1,800 for this project |
Statement: |
Essential maintenance work |
Funding: |
No other application made Own funds £1,800 |
Recommendation: |
£845 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: |
All Saints Church, Botley |
Local Member: |
Cllr. Derek Blampied |
Project: |
Extension to church including reception area, toilets including disabled, kitchenette, meeting rooms and storage. |
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 Church. |
Cost: |
£532,000 |
General Reserves: |
£40,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£285,000 for this project |
Statement: |
The church building provides a meeting space for various village groups but is currently oversubscribed. The Parochial Church Council has undertaken research into village needs and a range of community uses have been planned in conjunction with Hampshire Library service and Eastleigh Borough Council. |
Funding: |
Eastleigh Borough Council - application being made. Own Funds - £285,000 Various other applications are being made. |
Recommendation: |
Allocation of funding to be deferred pending information on Borough Council application and additional funding sources. |
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: |
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
