Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report :

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1) Summary of Decision Area:

1.1. This report is a revision of the report tabled on 22 January 2009 which considered applications for funding from voluntary groups and other organisations working in the field of countryside management and conservation.

1.2. It was agreed that the grant given to Hampshire Conservation Volunteers (HCV) be increased from £500 to £1,000 subject to a check on HCV that they can use the additional funds to meet our corporate requirements.

2) Issues Covered in Report:

2.1. Voluntary organisations working in the county were invited to apply for funding and funding of £72,000 for 2008/09 was agreed on 22 January 2009.

2.2. An increase in the funding of HCV from £500 to £1,000.

3) Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

3.1. The funding for 2008/09 is increased from £500 to £1,000.

MAIN REPORT

1) Contextual Information:

1.1. It was felt that the funding for HCV at £500 should be increased to £1,000 to enable them to work more effectively. This has been discussed with a representative from the organisation and the additional funding will be of value. They have very limited overheads as they are run entirely by volunteers so additional monies will be used to increase the volunteer activity they carry out for us.

2) Legal Issues:

2.1. The County Council has the power under the Local Government Act 2000 to do anything that is likely to achieve the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of an area. In particular, S.2(4) of the Act enables the County Council to enter into arrangements or agreements with any person, and give financial assistance, for these purposes. Guidance issued by the Secretary of State confirms that this power can be used to contribute funding to groups and bodies if the authority is satisfied that this contributes to the economic social or environmental well being of its area. This is considered to be the case here, where the activities of the groups in question help the achievement of the aims of the Council's Community Strategy, particularly in relation to the conservation of natural resources.

3) Budget

3.1. The base budget for grants in 2008/09 is £72,000. This decision increases this to £72,500.

4) Impact assessment:

4.1. Organisations applying for grants are either open to all the public or accessible to all the public as defined in their objects. Therefore no group or individual should be excluded from any benefit arising from this decision.

5) Recommendations:

Please see Executive Summary for recommendations.

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION: