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 5 |
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18 May 2006 |
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Community Buildings Fund - 2006/07 |
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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 2006/07
ii) to provide details of requests for partnership funding from the Community Buildings Fund for 2006/07
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 23rd March 2006 £100,000 was set aside from the 2006/07 capital programme for Recreation and Heritage to fund applications that meet the criteria during this financial year. The proposals in this report amount to £39,697. If approved a balance of £60,303 will remain in the 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.
Recommendations
The following decision is sought:
i) that partnership funding totalling £39,697 be approved for allocation from the Community Buildings Fund for 2006/07 as listed below:
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
New Forest |
4,769 |
East Stratton Village Hall |
Winchester |
500 |
Gosport Community Association |
Gosport |
1,619 |
Kingsley Organisation |
East Hampshire |
8,000 |
Nursling & Rownhams Village Hall |
Test Valley |
12,500 |
St Johns Church, Fareham |
Fareham |
2,950 |
Meon Hall, Meonstoke |
Winchester |
4,900 |
Titchfield Community Association |
Fareham |
4,062 |
Upham Millennium Hall |
Winchester |
566 |
Winnall Community Association |
Winchester |
3,331 |
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Total |
39,697 |
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
· 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 |
£ |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
New Forest |
4,769 |
St Johns Church, Fareham |
Fareham |
2,950 |
Total |
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7,219 |
Priority 2 Disability Discrimination Act
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Gosport Community Association |
Gosport |
1,619 |
Kingsley Organisation |
East Hampshire |
8,000 |
Meon Hall, Meonstoke |
Winchester |
4,900 |
Titchfield Community Association |
Fareham |
4,062 |
Total |
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18,581 |
Priority 3 Phased Development
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
Total |
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Priority 4 Applications for General Improvement Works
Hall/Centre |
District |
£ |
East Stratton Village Hall Nursling & Rownhams |
Winchester Test Valley |
500 12,500 |
Upham Village Hall |
Winchester |
566 |
Winnall Community Association |
Winchester |
3,331 |
Total |
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16,897 |
Name: |
Blandford Hall, Martin |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Kathy Heron, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replace ceiling, insulation and main lighting, replace windows, fire exit doors and general redecorating. |
Priority: |
1 - Health & safety |
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: |
£18,476 |
General Reserves: |
£4,582 |
Project Reserves: |
£4,319 of above committed to this project |
Statement: |
Plaster from the original ceiling is disintegrating and falling onto the suspended ceiling causing a health & safety risk. Improved insulation is also required together with improved lighting and replacement of doors and windows which are rotten and pose a safety and security risk. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £4,319 New Forest District Council - £9,238 applied for Martin Parish Council - £300 confirmed |
Recommendation: |
£4,769 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
East Stratton Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr. Jackie Porter, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Feasibility Study |
Priority: |
1 - Health & safety |
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. Object include equalities statement. Users defined as General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£1,000 |
General Reserves: |
£11,072 |
Project Reserves: |
£7,940 designated to development project. |
Statement: |
The existing village hall is believed to date from the 1920s and is of timber frame construction with corrugated cladding and roof. The hall does not comply with any current legislation relating to Disability Discrimination and facilities are totally inadequate. If not replaced or refurbished it will have to close with the loss of vital community facilities and the only pre-school in the parish. This application is to assist with the cost of architects professional fees. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £500 Micheldever Parish Council - £30,000 applied for to fund main project. |
Recommendation: |
£500 as 50% feasibility costs |
Name: |
Gosport Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local members, Cllrs Peter Edgar and Keith Gill have been consulted and both have responded giving their full support to this application. |
Project: |
Renovation of accessible toilet facilities. |
Priority: |
2 - DDA |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments Equipment to improve 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 include equalities statement. Also registered as a company limited by guarantee. Uses defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, Other charities/Voluntary bodies, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£4,857 |
General Reserves: |
£33,000 declared (accounts as at March 2005 indicate higher reserves however this organisation has spent considerable sums on new security systems and general refurbishment during the past 12 months.) |
Project Reserves: |
£3,238 committed to this project |
Statement: |
During a current project to refurbish toilet facilities it has been found that the accessible toilets do not meet current regulations. This application is to cover refurbishment of the accessible toilets only and it is hoped that this can be achieved whilst the contractor is currently on site. Without prejudice permission requested. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £3,238 No other funding applied for. |
Recommendation: |
£1,619 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Kingsley Organisation |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Mark Kemp-Gee, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Major development to include: · Extend fully accessible main entrance, reception & lounge · Resource and therapy space · Meeting rooms · Accessible toilets · Replace heating system
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Priority: |
2 - DDA |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments 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 are specifically aimed at the disabled and supporting independent living. No equalities statement included. Users defined as People with a disability/Special Needs, General public/Mankind. |
Cost: |
£325,000 |
General Reserves: |
Nil reserves have been declared - accounts provided as at 31/12/2004. Not clear from accounts what reserves may be available to support this project. Reserves policy states whilst there is an aim to hold up to one years running costs as reserves, historically the organisation has actively sought not to hold reserves. This is not in keeping with current guidance by Charities Commission as this organisation is clearly not meeting its requirements to undertake financial risk assessment and set aside reserves to meet this. |
Project Reserves: |
Despite the above, the organisation declares £10,000 towards this project. |
Statement: |
This project will enable us to improve our facilities/services for all age groups including development of village youth, including integrated activities with disabled service users. |
Funding: |
Big Lottery Fund - £260,000 confirmed East Hampshire District Council - £15,000 applied for (Decision May 2006) Kingsley Parish Council- £1,000 applied for (Decision April 2006) Trusts, inclusive of own funding - £39,000 of which £9,000 has been confirmed |
Recommendation: |
A maximum of £8,000 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
Nursling & Rownhams Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Roy Perry, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbishment of toilets and kitchen. |
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. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs. |
Cost: |
£45,852 |
General Reserves: |
£8,656 as at 31 March 2005 |
Project Reserves: |
Nil |
Statement: |
These facilities no longer meet acceptable standards due to continuous wear and tear. |
Funding: |
Test Valley Borough Council - £17,195 applied for Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council - £17,195 |
Recommendation: |
Up to a maximum of £12,500 as 50% of combined District and Parish Council contributions subject to confirmation. |
Name: |
St John the Evangelist Church, Fareham |
Consultation: |
The local members, Cllrs. John Bryant and Ray Ellis, have been consulted. |
Project: |
Replacement of heating system. |
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 Church. |
Cost: |
£8,850 |
General Reserves: |
£10,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£8,000 of above committed to this project |
Statement: |
Existing heaters are no longer supported for spare parts and are over 40 years old and in need of replacement. |
Funding: |
Own funds - approx £8,000 available No other applications made |
Recommendation: |
£2,950 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
The Meon Hall, Meonstoke |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Felicity Hindson, has been consulted and fully supports this application pointing out that this hall is not only used by the local community but also by scout groups from other parts of Hampshire. |
Project: |
Provide disabled access to the kitchen |
Priority: |
2 - DDA |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments 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 Village Hall. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£14,700 |
General Reserves: |
£29,204 |
Project Reserves: |
£8,500 designated to this project |
Statement: |
The hall's kitchen badly needs improvement and refurbishment after 26 years of use to bring it up to date and make it accessible for wheelchair users. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £8,500 Winchester City Council - £2,700 confirmed Corhampton & Meonstoke Parish Council - £1,000 confirmed Exton Parish Meeting - £350 confirmed Meon Hall 200 club - £1,350 confirmed Local fundraising - £250 received Awards for All - £4,000 applied for - decision May 2006 |
Recommendation: |
£4,900 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Titchfield Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Geoff Hockley, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Replace chairs, purchase induction loop system, environmental clean of boiler room including removal of asbestos, purchase and fit dimmer lights in `Outhouse Hall'. |
Priority: |
2 - DDA |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments. 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 provide new facilities and extend use of existing facilities to the community. Organisation defined as a Community Association and registered as a Company limited by guarantee. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£12,188 |
General Reserves: |
£7,567 |
Project Reserves: |
£3,458 designated to this project |
Statement: |
The chairs, environmental clean and lighting are required to meet health & safety issues following a risk assessment. The loop system will improve facilities for those with a hearing impairment and meet DDA requirements. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £3,458 Fareham Borough Council - £3,458 |
Recommendation: |
£4,062 as one third of project cost |
Name: |
Upham New Millennium Village Hall |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Peter Mason, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Refurbish wooden floor in main hall. |
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 provide new facilities and extend existing facilities use to the community. Organisation defined as a Village Hall. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, Other charities/Voluntary bodies, Other defined groups, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£1,697 |
General Reserves: |
£20,375 |
Project Reserves: |
£1,697 designated to this project |
Statement: |
Floor requires refurbishment to maintain condition. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £1,697 No other applications made. |
Recommendation: |
£566 as one third of project cost. |
Name: |
Winnall Community Association |
Consultation: |
The local member, Cllr Pam Peskett, has been consulted. |
Project: |
Adapt and refurbish lounge area into multi-purpose room with disabled access with new furniture, purchase new PC for centre office. |
Priority: |
4 - non priority |
Criteria: |
Building repairs, extensions and refurbishments Equipment to improve 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 provide new facilities and extend existing facilities use to the community. Organisation defined as a Community Association. Objects include equalities statement. Users defined as Children/Young people, Elderly/Old People, People with a disability/Special Needs, General public/Mankind |
Cost: |
£9,992 |
General Reserves: |
£4,000 |
Project Reserves: |
£4,900 designated to this project |
Statement: |
These improvements will allow the lounge to become a multi-functioning room, increasing its versatility and use by current and new groups in the community. The new furniture will benefit existing groups. The PC for the office will improve the centre's administration. |
Funding: |
Own funds - £4,900 Winchester City council - £500 applied for (decision June 2006) Local fundraising - no specified amount |
Recommendation: |
£3,331 as one third of project cost. |
