Agenda and draft minutes

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/197

Contact: Maggie Scott, Senior Policy & Improvement Manager Tel: (01865) 816081

Report by Senior Policy & Improvement Manager (CMDPPC4).

The purpose of this report is to enable the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Police and Policy Co-ordination to make decisions on which proposals to fund in the final ‘wave’ of the Big Society Active Communities Grants.

In July 2011 Oxfordshire County Council launched the Big Society Active Communities Grants. These are one-off grants available in 2011/12 to Oxfordshire not-for profit community or neighbourhood groups to support them in:

·        Engaging all sections of their community to identify local needs and develop inclusive action plans to address those needs;

·         Bringing together towns which act as local service centres and their hinterland to agree shared priorities and action plans;

·        Undertaking wider community consultation and involvement to help prepare for potential local Big Society projects, such as a multi-purpose community facility.

We have received seven applications for this final round of the scheme. An Assessment Form has been completed for each application and bids have been categorised as follows:

·        Proposals that meet the grant criteria;

·        Proposals that do not meet the grant criteria.

The Cabinet Member for Police, Policy & Coordination is RECOMMENDED to:

a)     approve the applications which meet the grant criteria ( as set out in Annex 1); and

b)    ensure a grant funding agreement that meets legal requirements is in place for all successful proposals.

a)                 Approve the applications which meet the grant criteria (as set out in Annex 1); and

b)                 Put in place a grant funding agreement that meets legal requirements for all successful proposals.