Decision details

Proposals for distribution of ‘Giving For Gedling’ and ‘Feeding Gedling’ Funding balances and other external funding received by the Council to support community resilience.

Reference: D1190

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Community Development

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To seek approval for the proposed management and distribution arrangements for remaining ‘Giving For Gedling’ and ‘Feeding Gedling’ balances, and other external sources of funding that have been secured for the purpose of building community and voluntary sector resilience and extend the provision support to vulnerable people.

Decision:

THAT: T he Portfolio Holder for Community Development
1) Approves the distribution plan for Gedling Borough Council’s ‘Giving For Gedling’ and ‘Feeding Gedling’ fundraising balances, Department for Environment, Food Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Covid-19 Clinically Extremely Vulnerable ( CEV )/ Vulnerable People (VP) support allocation and remaining Social Prescribing Reducing Isolation In Gedling ( SPRIING ) Pilot budget, as detailed in this report 2) Delegates authority to the Director responsible for Communities and Leisure to apportion the funding between local Community Hubs and community based services as detailed in this report.

Reasons for the decision:

To enable the Council to amalgamate existing external funding aimed at supporting vulnerable people, and to direct that resource to community groups and organisations providing that support in a timeous and equitable manner.
To support the delivery following specific Gedling Plan Priorities:
•Deliver a programme of community events and youth activities reflecting Gedling Plan priorities
•Develop, engage and support the voluntary sector to increase participation
•Develop a strategic approach with partners to enable a strong and resilient voluntary and community sector
•Work with local organisations to improve people’s life chances and reduce levels of poverty
•Identify and facilitate delivery of key interventions in agreed locality areas
•Develop and work with key stakeholders to embed a sustainable social prescribing programme across the borough
•Directly support local groups to tackle loneliness and isolation

Alternative options considered:

Not to amalgamate Covid-19 response and other external funds directed at supporting vulnerable people. This option is not recommended, as it would result in vulnerable residents in Gedling being disadvantaged in relation to support being provided, due to limitations in the capacity of community hubs and services to provide or sustain that support.
To deploy these funds in a different way, i.e. contracting out to external non - voluntary sector providers, or to create temporary posts. This option is not recommended as it is not sustainable. By investing in our local Gedling voluntary and community infrastructure we are supporting the future resilience of our communities and providing opportunities for local VCS growth and greater collaboration in the direction of services to those in most need.

Publication date: 23/06/2021

Date of decision: 22/06/2021

Accompanying Documents: