Contact: Margaret Plumridge, ext 6173 e-mail: [email protected]
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Hampshire County Council |
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Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage |
Item 9 |
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23 March 2006 |
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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 for 2005/06
ii) to provide details of requests for partnership funding from the Community Buildings Fund for 2005/06
iii) to summarise and review fund activity for 2005/06
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.
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 loan towards expenses incurred by voluntary bodies in providing such facilities.
4. Financial Position
4.1 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. A further £50,000 was allocated from available capital programme resources in December 2005. Partnership funding approved in this financial year so far totals £199,367. The proposals in this report amount to £47,972. The three schemes that are recommended to receive the maximum partnership funding of £12,500 each can be met from a further allocation from the 2005/06 capital programme of £37,500 as recommended in the Finance and Performance Monitoring report elsewhere on this agenda. The remaining minor schemes totalling £10,472 can be met from the revenue budget.
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 has been introduced which includes equalities monitoring information agreed as part of the corporate review of grants programmes and procedures.
7. Review of Fund Activity in 2005/06
7.1 It is clear that the Community Buildings Fund programme is seen by the community as an important source of funding to enable organisations to improve the facilities they provide to support community activities. Many are now planning and phasing development of their premises in order to better manage their financial situation.
7.2 The impact of the Disability Discrimination Act has now been evident for two years as many organisations strive to meet the requirements of the Act. There is also evidence that many organisations are undertaking major refurbishment work, particularly to address health and safety issues. This may be partly due to a raised awareness of these issues through our training and development programme. Publication of details of the grant programme on Hantsweb has also been a contributory factor to the increase in applications.
7.3 Including this report a total of 60 applications were allocated partnership funding totalling £247,339. Once again it was possible to respond positively to all applications that met the criteria by managing the revenue budget to enable the Fund to be topped up towards the end of the financial year. The approved projects fell into the following categories:
Priority |
Type of project |
No of applications |
Total funds allocated |
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£ |
1 |
Health & Safety |
10 |
23,112 |
2 |
Disability Discrimination Act related |
17 |
111,456 |
3 |
Phased Development |
1 |
4,094 |
4 |
General refurbishment and extensions |
32 |
108,677 |
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TOTAL |
60 |
247,339 |
7.4 With the financial support of District Councils (set out below) the total value of the schemes supported was approximately £2,270,760.
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No of projects |
Total funds allocated |
District funds matched* |
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£ |
£ |
Basingstoke & Deane |
4 |
15,903 |
45,750 |
Eastleigh |
5 |
34,665 |
1,500 |
East Hants |
7 |
27,307 |
44,300 |
Fareham |
3 |
5,395 |
3,000 |
Gosport |
2 |
7,679 |
4,500 |
Havant |
2 |
6,377 |
0 |
Hart |
2 |
2,720 |
0 |
New Forest |
14 |
62,558 |
46,646 |
Test Valley |
9 |
37,080 |
30,210 |
Winchester |
12 |
47,655 |
51,700 |
7.5 During the year 22 user satisfaction survey forms and letters of thanks were received all expressing satisfaction with the grant programme. Comments received included:
_ Our organisation is very grateful for the help and support we have received from HCC
_ Excellent support with prompt response to requests
_ I would like to put on record how grateful we are, not only for the grant, but for the understanding and practical ways you have handled our unavoidable delays over nearly 5 years. The whole attitude has been one of assistance and help.
_ We were very grateful for your support of our project
_ We wish to thank you and show our appreciation for help to keep the hall running for the benefit of the community
_ The trustees were pleased with, and grateful for the advice & financial help given
_ The way the application was dealt with and approved and the speed at which grant applications were paid was very impressive. We are very grateful for your support.
_ I would like to add that we are very grateful for all the help and information received - we are grateful that we are now getting so much support from HCC
7.6 This grant programme has once again enabled over 50 organisations to carry out vital maintenance and refurbishment of community buildings. Without this support many of these projects would not have been possible. The announcement of the Big Lottery Community Buildings Fund, commencing in June of this year, is likely to prompt more organisations to undertake major projects which will result in further applications to this grant programme over the next two to three years.
Recommendations
The following decision is sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £47,972 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 |
2,875 |
All Saints Church, Botley |
Eastleigh |
12,500 |
Belmont Hall, Chandlers Ford |
Eastleigh |
1,236 |
Bishopstoke Methodist Church |
Eastleigh |
12,500 |
Cheriton Village Hall |
Winchester |
3,750 |
East Stratton Village Hall |
Winchester |
494 |
Fordingbridge Community Association |
New Forest |
927 |
Lymington Community Association |
New Forest |
12,500 |
Lyndhurst & District Community Association |
New Forest |
1,190 |
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Total |
47,972 |
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 |
£ |
Fordingbridge Community Association |
New Forest |
927 |
Total |
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927 |
Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Bishopstoke Methodist Church |
Eastleigh |
12,500 |
Cheriton Village Hall |
Winchester |
3,750 |
Total |
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16,250 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Total |
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Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Abbey United Reform Church, Romsey |
Test Valley |
2,875 |
All Saints Church, Botley |
Eastleigh |
12,500 |
Belmont Hall, Chandlers Ford |
Eastleigh |
1,236 |
East Stratton Village Hall |
Winchester |
494 |
Lymington Community Association |
New Forest |
12,500 |
Lyndhurst & District Community Association |
New Forest |
1,190 |
Total |
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30,795 |
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 - 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 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 are set aside for various church projects including some building developments. |
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 confirmed Romsey Town Council - £6,250 confirmed Other various - £119,735 Own Funds - £169,807 |
Recommendation: |
Combined District and Town Council contributions now total £25,000 for this scheme enabling a further allocation to be recommended adding an extra £2,875 to the original allocation approved in November 2005 of £9,625. (Total allocation now £12,500). |
Name: |
All Saints Church, Botley |
Local Member: |
The local member, Cllr. Derek Blampied, has been consulted |
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 Libraries and Information Service and Eastleigh Borough Council. |
Funding: |
Eastleigh Borough Council - application being made. Own Funds - £285,000 Various other applications are being made. |
Recommendation: |
Up to £12,500 as 50% of combined district and parish council contribution subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Belmont Hall, Chandlers Ford |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Alan Broadhurst, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replace entrance porch and install new windows. |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments |
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 in objects. Uses defined as general public/mankind |
Cost: |
£3,710 |
General Reserves: |
£3,000 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
There is a need to make the approach to the building more user friendly and replace the windows with more energy efficient glazing that meet safety requirements. |
Funding: |
Eastleigh Borough Council - £2,500 applied for Own funds - £1,000 |
Recommendation: |
£1,236 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Bishopstoke Methodist Church |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Angela Roling, has been consulted. |
Project: |
New walk-in storage, disabled toilets, patio windows and new play area, new meeting room, entrance and external landscaping and car park. |
Priority: |
2 - Disability Discrimination Act |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments |
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: |
£210,000 |
General Reserves: |
The Church accounts show total reserves of around £30,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£15,000 is set aside for this project |
Statement: |
The Church is at the centre of an expanding village and the premises are used for a playgroup, old peoples club, fellowship groups and the parish council. It is hoped that the improved facilities will meet the growing needs of community groups. |
Funding: |
Own Funds - £15,000 Methodist Circuit - £7,000 confirmed Methodist District - 5,000 applied for Joseph Rank Trust - £9,500 applied for Bishopstoke Parish Council - application made - no amount specified Eastleigh Borough Council - application made - no amount specified |
Recommendation: |
Up to £12,500 as 50% of combined Borough and Parish Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Cheriton Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Felicity Hindson, has been consulted and she supports the application. |
Project: |
Improve access and provide disabled toilets, refurbish kitchen and existing toilets and replace boiler. |
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. Organisation defined as a Village Hall - no equalities statement included. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, Other charities/Voluntary bodies, Other defined groups
General public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£28,500 |
General Reserves: |
£7,930 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
This work is required to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and also to undertake essential refurbishment. |
Funding: |
Own Funds - £5,000 Cheriton Parish Council - £2,500 confirmed Winchester City Council - £5,000 confirmed Alresford Rotary Club - £1,500 confirmed Alresford PIGS Association - £2,000 applied for (decision March) Awards for All - £5,000 applied for (decision March/April) |
Recommendation: |
£3,750 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions |
Name: |
East Stratton Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Jackie Porter, has been consulted |
Project: |
Replacement of 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 in objects. Uses defined as general public/mankind. |
Cost: |
£1,480 |
General Reserves: |
£800 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
Existing chairs are worn out and beyond economic repair. |
Funding: |
Micheldever Parish Council - £300 confirmed |
Recommendation: |
£494 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Fordingbridge & District Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Kathy Heron, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Carry out asbestos survey, enhance/upgrade locks and panic bars, provide new computer system for centre manager. |
Priority: |
1 - Health & Safety |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. Health & Safety Issues Equipment to improve the building 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 General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£2,780 |
General Reserves: |
£10,000 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
The asbestos survey is a legal requirement for health & safety of staff and users. The locks require refurbishment to ensure the safety and security of the building, particularly at times when staff are not on duty. The current computer system is old and not able to access the internet and does not properly support the management of the building. |
Funding: |
Members fundraising - £1,050 received Tesco grant - £500 received |
Recommendation: |
£927 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Lymington Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Adrian Evans, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Provision of a new 200 seat function hall. |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishment. Equipment to improve the building 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 provide new facilities and extend existing facilities use to the community. Organisation defined as a Community Centre under Trust Deed. No equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, Other charities/Voluntary bodies, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£678,000 |
General Reserves: |
£296,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£618,000 designated to this project |
Statement: |
There has been a long term need identified in the Local Plan for a 200 seat hall for community use. There is also a need for larger facilities for association activities that have outgrown existing facilities. It will also meet the need of the growing new sheltered and other accommodation which is replacing traditional housing and provide excellent facilities for the disabled. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £618,000 New Forest District Council - application made - no amount specified Lymington & Pennington Town Council - application made, no amount specified Other applications and appeals so far have produced £10,000 |
Recommendation: |
Up to £12,500 as 50% of combined District & Town Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Lyndhurst & District Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Melville Kendall, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replacement of chairs |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Equipment to improve the building 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 provide new facilities and extend existing facilities use to the community. Organisation defined as a Community Centre. No 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 charities/Voluntary bodies
Other defined groups, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£3,570 |
General Reserves: |
£500 declared but accounts as at 31 December 2004 show reserves in region of £70,500. |
Project Reserves: |
No details provided but it is known this association is planning a major development. |
Statement: |
The stacking chairs in the main hall are wearing out with over 40 having been removed as not meeting safety requirements. |
Funding: |
No other applications made as it is intended to apply for major funding for a development project in September 2006. Own funds for this project - £500 |
Recommendation: |
£1,190 as one third of project cost |
