Agenda Item No___13_________
THE NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND –FOURTH ROUND LARGE GRANT
APPLICATIONS
Summary:
Applications for the fourth round of the North Norfolk Big
Society Fund (NNBSF) have been received.
Applications for smaller grants (£10,000 and under)
have been determined by the North Norfolk Big Society
Board. Applications for four larger grants (over £10,000)
are put before by Cabinet for determination.
Options considered
A variety of options exist in relation to the determination
of these applications: they could be rejected, approved
in full or approved for some other amount than that
recommended. The recommended approach is the
most appropriate under the circumstances, for the
reasons set out in this report.
Conclusions:
The applications to the Fund for both large and small
grants comprise a wide variety of projects. The
applications for larger grants, referred to in this report,
have been appraised against the Big Society Fund’s
aims and the recommendations against each application
have been informed by the Big Society Fund
Prospectus, the priorities identified in the Corporate
Plan and other relevant considerations.
Recommendations:
That grants are provided from the Big Society Fund
for the projects proposed by Mundesley Youth and
Community; Holt Playing Field Association; Holt
Town Council; and the Copeman Centre in
accordance with the amounts and conditions set
out in this report.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To fulfil the commitment within the small government big
society action plan 2012 / 13 to “encourage the growth
of the Big Society within communities.”
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
The Big Society Fund Prospectus
Applications to the Big Society Fund
Cabinet Member(s)
Cllr T Ivory
Ward(s) affected
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
R Young ex. 516162 robert.young@north-norfolk.gov.uk
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1.
Introduction
1.1
Following the first three rounds of the North Norfolk Big Society Fund, small
grants totalling £165,127 have been awarded to 27 projects and large grants
totalling £95,000 to 6 projects. The take-up of this grant and the
implementation of funded projects are being monitored by Norfolk Community
Foundation, which is administering the fund on behalf of the Council.
Conditions requesting the acknowledgement of the grant source are included
in each award and plaques have been provided for attaching to facilities and
premises supported by the fund.
1.2
The fourth round of applications closed on 11th January 2013. Applications
totalling £50,410 were approved by the Big Society Board at its meeting on 18
February 2013. Four applications for large grants have been received for
consideration by Cabinet (totalling £151,703). The total amount of funding
requested for both the large and small grants this round was £232,950, and
the amount remaining is £112,463. Norfolk Community Foundation sent all
Members a brief summary of the applications received at the close of this
round.
1.3
The applications received are for very worthwhile projects, which will
undoubtedly yield benefits; however, the amount of funding requested
exceeds that available. The prospectus for the grant scheme sets out the
purpose of the Fund and eligibility criteria. This is attached as Appendix G. In
considering grant applications, the Board and Cabinet must consider whether
the project will significantly contribute towards the achievement of the Fund’s
purpose as well as how well it complements the priorities of the Council,
identified in the Corporate Plan and Annual Action Plan. The availability of
funding must also be considered in determining the amount awarded to each
project.
2.
Large Grants Applications
2.1
The Norfolk Community Foundation’s assessment report in respect of each of
the large grant applications is attached as Appendix H. These assessments
provide a summary of each project, an overview of the robustness of each
and brief information about the organisations submitting the applications. The
NCF has not been asked to make recommendations in relation to each
application but to draw attention to pertinent issues. Consideration of each
application against the purpose of the North Norfolk Big Society Fund, the
Council’s Corporate Plan priorities and any other relevant considerations
(including approved policies) is a matter for Cabinet. Relevant background
information is presented in this report, together with an officer
recommendation.
2.2
Mundesley Youth & Community
Summary of application
2.3
This is an application by Mundesley Youth & Community for £45,000 towards
a £206,550 capital project to build a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
The MUGA is the final phase of a four part development project which has
turned a piece of disused land into a community hub for residents and
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visitors. The first three phases of the project have been successfully
completed and have enabled a Children’s Play Area, Skate Park and Outdoor
Gym to be provided.
Observations
2.4
The application form and assessment report by Norfolk Community
Foundation has informed the following observations.
2.5
Mundesley Youth & Community (MYC) was formed by young people, parents,
police, councillors and residents in 2009. This informed a business plan to
enable the phased development of the site into a community recreation
facility. The first three phases of the development have been completed.
2.6
In 2012 funding was secured from Communitybuilders which enabled a
feasibility study to build a MUGA on the site to be undertaken.
2.7
Documentation including a business plan prepared by an independent
consultant supports the application. The business plan identifies how the
MUGA will be promoted and through income hire will be self-sustaining.
2.8
The site is owned by Mundesley Parish Council. A letter of support from the
Parish Council has been provided. There is currently no lease in place but as
with other phases of the project there is an understanding that the land can
be developed for this purpose.
2.9
A planning application for the MUGA has only recently been submitted, a
decision is expected in about eight weeks.
2.10
The cost of the project is estimated, once planning permission is granted the
project will go out to tender. Clarification is also sought regarding the VAT
status of the project.
Corporate Plan/ AAP
2.11
The Corporate Plan supports the thrust of this application through the priority
of empowering communities to take more responsibility for their own future
and build stronger civil society. The application also aligns with the Annual
Action Plan 2012/13, in particular:
B6 “We will respond positively to communities wishing to undertake
projects locally.” and
B7 “We will work with communities to identify the current and future
social, economic and environmental needs of their population and
support them to identify and implement local, innovative and creative
solutions.”
BSF Prospectus
2.12
This project meets the general purpose of the fund and would achieve
through the identified activities and initiatives, outcomes which the fund
generally supports.
2.13
The project demonstrates community and multi agency involvement and
engagement. The first three phases of the project have been successfully
delivered with funding being raised by the community and from other sources.
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2.14
The majority of the supporting evidence as required by the Prospectus for a
large grant application has been received and assessed by Norfolk
Community Foundation. Evidence of how the other funding required will be
secured is outstanding. To date £7,000 has been raised for the project, a
range of potential funders have been identified but applications as yet have
not been submitted.
2.15
MYC have demonstrated through the successful completion of the first three
phases of the development that they are committed to and capable of
achieving this final phase.
Recommendation
2.17
A grant for the full amount of £45,000 is recommended, conditional upon:
• Evidence that planning permission has been obtained
• Evidence that sufficient funding from other sources has been secured
• Evidence of total project cost
Such evidence should be to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive in
consultation with the portfolio holder for Localism and the Big Society, prior to
funding being approved.
Holt Playing Field Association
Summary of Application
2.18
This is an application by Holt Playing Field Association in respect of the Holt
Sport Centre and Social Club. A grant of £40,000 is requested towards an
indicative capital cost of £261,265 to extend the pavilion to provide accessible
toilets, sufficient changing rooms and an extended kitchen. The project aims
to provide quality, inclusive community and social facilities.
2.19
This is a well used facility and currently is used by approximately 700 people
from five main organisations. To respond to demand, improve accessibility
and increase opportunities for community events and activities, the applicant
makes the case that an extension to the current facilities is required.
Observations
2.20
The application form and assessment report by Norfolk Community
Foundation has informed the following observations.
2.21
Planning permission was granted in 2009 which required the project to begin
within 3 years. To date only the minimum amount of work to comply with this
has been undertaken, which keeps the permission ‘live’.
2.22
The site is owned by the National Playing Field Association (NPFA). Holt
Playing Field Association has a formal agreement with NPFA to manage the
site however approval from NPFA is required for any works to the site.
Evidence of this approval has been requested but is yet to be provided.
2.23
To date only £2,000 has been raised towards the cost of the project however
a number of other potential funders have been identified.
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2.24
The recent involvement of a consultancy firm has re energised this project.
This has resulted in comprehensive marketing and business plans being
prepared and submitted. The business plan includes evidence of research to
confirm need, the results of community consultation, project sustainability as
well as five year financial forecasts and a timetable of works.
2.25
Project costs have been provided by a quantity surveyor, the project will go to
tender once funding is secured.
Corporate Plan/ AAP
2.26 The Corporate Plan supports the thrust of this application through the priority
of empowering communities to take more responsibility for their own future
and build stronger civil society. The application also aligns with the Annual
Action Plan 2012/13, in particular:
B6 “We will respond positively to communities wishing to undertake
projects locally.” and
B7 “We will work with communities to identify the current and future
social, economic and environmental needs of their population and
support them to identify and implement local, innovative and creative
solutions.”
BSF Prospectus
2.27
This project meets the general purpose of the fund and would achieve
through the identified activities and initiatives, outcomes which the fund
supports, particularly with regard to the provision of new or improved
community facilities.
2.28
The majority of the supporting evidence as required by the Prospectus for a
large grant application has been received and assessed by Norfolk
Community Foundation. Evidence of how the other funding required will be
secured is outstanding. To date £2,000 has been raised for the project, a
range of potential funders have been identified but applications as yet have
not been submitted.
2.29
The North Norfolk Big Society Fund has previously made funding awards to a
variety of projects that improve the infrastructure of sporting and social
facilities. This is an ambitious project and in order to foster wider commitment
to the project from within the community, and users of the proposed facility, as
well as attracting investment from other sources, it is suggested that some
funding would be appropriate.
Recommendation
2.30
A grant for £10,000 is recommended, conditional upon:
• Evidence that the National Playing Field Association have approved
the works to the site
• Evidence that other funding has been secured
• Evidence of total project cost
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Such evidence should be to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive in
consultation with the portfolio holder for Localism and the Big Society, prior to
funding being approved.
Holt Town Council
Summary of application.
2.31 This is a resubmitted application by Holt Town Council for a revised grant
amount of £25,000 towards a total capital project cost of £50,000 to
landscape an area of the Peacock Playing Field and provide play equipment
for children aged eight and over.
Observations
2.32 The application form and assessment report by Norfolk Community
Foundation has informed the following observations.
2.33 An application was submitted to the previous round for a grant of £35,000.
Following assessment and in accordance with Prospectus requirements, it
was considered that there was insufficient information and evidence in
relation to the business case, total project budget and project timescales to
enable an informed decision to be made by Cabinet. Holt Town Council was
advised that the application would be considered if this information was
provided.
2.34 The application has been resubmitted for consideration with a reduced grant
request of £25,000 as the Town Council is proposing to fund half of the
project from their reserves and then replace it with the s106 money which is
expected from a housing development proposal in due course.
2.35 There is substantial evidence of a deficiency in play space and play
opportunities in Holt. The only play equipment for children aged over 6 years
is at Holt Country Park (some distance from the town). It has been identified
that the impact of this is most acute to the south of the A148, where a much
higher proportion of children and young people within the town live. Peacock
Lane is some 800m – 1km away from the residential areas to the south.
Despite this, however, supporting documents provided with the application do
identify the location of the Peacock Playing Field in relation to the current and
proposed residential provision and it appears that increased provision of play
equipment would have a local benefit.
Corporate Plan/ AAP
2.36 The Corporate Plan supports the thrust of this application through the priority
of empowering communities to take more responsibility for their own future
and build stronger civil society. The application also aligns with the Annual
Action Plan 2012/13, in particular:
B6 “We will respond positively to communities wishing to undertake
projects locally.” and
B7 “We will work with communities to identify the current and future
social, economic and environmental needs of their population and
support them to identify and implement local, innovative and creative
solutions.”
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BSF Prospectus
2.37 This project meets the general purpose of the fund and would achieve
through the identified activities and initiatives, outcomes which the fund
supports, particularly with regard to the provision of new or improved
community facilities.
2.38 Holt Town Council has now submitted significant evidence to support their
application as required by the Prospectus for a large grant application. This
includes a Business Plan, project timeline, tender details, financial
information, evidence of community consultation and need.
2.39 The North Norfolk Big Society Fund has previously made several awards for
funding towards the provision of improved play areas and facilities similar to
this application. The amount of the awards varies but tends to be a maximum
of £10,000.
Recommendation
2.40 A grant for £10,000 is recommended, conditional upon:
•
Evidence that other funding required has been secured.
Such evidence should be to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive in
consultation with the portfolio holder for Localism and the Big Society, prior to
funding being approved.
The Copeman Centre
Summary of Application
2.41 This is an application by The Copeman Centre a village hall in Briston for a
grant of £41,703 towards a £147,703.00 capital project to replace an old
extension with a larger one. This would improve the toilets facilities and
provide additional rooms which would increase the use and sustainability of
the centre.
2.42 The Copeman Centre serves approximately 2,000 residents in Briston and
surrounding areas. The Centre is run by volunteers and is used by groups
providing services and activities for people of all ages. A day nursery operates
during the week from the centre.
Observations
2.43 The application form and assessment report by Norfolk Community
Foundation has informed the following observations.
2.44 The Copeman Centre is owned by Briston Parish Council and managed by a
charitable committee which has a long term lease on the building.
2.45 The committee has previously raised funds to build a kitchen extension. This
new extension would enable improved toilet facilities plus additional space for
a staff room, office and additional rooms which could be used for services
such as child health clinics, citizens advice bureaux sessions etc. The centre
currently has three main halls and the extension would enable each hall to be
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hired separately with their own entrance and access to the toilets. This would
maximise use and associated hire fees for the centre.
2.46 Community consultation has taken place to identify need; this resulted in a
feasibility study being undertaken in 2009 and has also increased community
representation on the centre committee. The project did not progress at that
time as a bid for lottery funding failed.
2.47 The applicant has raised £6,000 towards the cost of the work. The Copeman
Centre could also borrow up to £19,000 from its own endowed funds. A bid is
due to be submitted to the Norfolk Construction Fund in March for £100,000.
Any funding offered from the Big Society Fund would help strengthen the
Community Construction Fund bid.
Corporate Plan/ AAP
2.48 The Corporate Plan supports the thrust of this application through the priority
of empowering communities to take more responsibility for their own future
and build stronger civil society. The application also aligns with the Annual
Action Plan 2012/13, in particular:
B6 “We will respond positively to communities wishing to undertake
projects locally.” and
B7 “We will work with communities to identify the current and future
social, economic and environmental needs of their population and
support them to identify and implement local, innovative and creative
solutions.”
BSF Prospectus
2.49 This project meets the general purpose of the fund and would achieve
through the identified activities and initiatives, outcomes which the fund
supports, particularly with regard to the provision of new or improved
community facilities.
2.50 The Copeman Centre carried out a feasibility study in 2009 which identified
the work required to help ensure the sustainability of the centre. A basic
summary of the proposals for the centre has been provided but no formal
business plan has been submitted Funds have been raised for previous works
and there is evidence that some funding has been raised towards this project.
2.51 The North Norfolk Big Society Fund has previously made several awards for
funding towards the improvement of village halls. The amount of these
awards has varied but given the increased use and consequential enhanced
financial sustainability that this project brings, funding this project would
appear to bring significant improvements to the village facilities; however the
amount requested is high, and local funds appear to be available it is
suggested that a grant sufficient to fill the funding gap should be made.
Recommendation
2.52 A grant for £22,000 is recommended, conditional upon:
• Submission of a Business Plan
• Evidence that other funding has been secured.
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Such evidence should be to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive in
consultation with the portfolio holder for Localism and the Big Society, prior to
funding being approved.
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Conclusion
3.1 The applications to the Fund for both large and small grants comprise a wide
variety of projects. The applications for larger grants, referred to in this report,
have been appraised against the Big Society Fund’s aims and the
recommendations against each application have been informed by the Big
Society Fund Prospectus, the priorities identified in the Corporate Plan and other
relevant considerations.
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Implications and Risks
4.1 Cabinet is being asked to determine applications for significant amounts of
funding. The operational framework within which this will operate was adopted
by Council (on 22 February 2012) and the budget has been identified to cover
the funding recommended. Additionally the applications have been assessed by
Norfolk Community Foundation (under the terms on the SLA set up for this
purpose) and a full report on each has been provided which identifies the risk
associated with each as appropriate.
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Financial Implications and Risks
5.1 The Big Society Fund was set up for the purpose of delivering grants to
appropriate organisations for initiatives that meet the specified criteria. The
approved budget for the fund is £450,000 (which includes the administration
fee). Grants awarded following the first, second and third rounds total £260,127.
Small grant applications of £50,410 for this round were awarded by the Big
Society Board at its meeting on 18th February. An available budget of £112,463
therefore remains in the Fund for this financial year. If the grant awards
recommended in this report are approved then approximately £25,463 will
remain.
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Sustainability
6.1 There are no sustainability issues raised by this report.
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Equality and Diversity
7.1 There are no equality and diversity issues raised by this report.
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Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
8.1 There are no anticipated impacts on Crime and Disorder arising from this report.
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