Agenda item

The Partnerships and Funding Officer presented the report and reminded Members that in July 2019 they had received a report asking for their suggestions on the use of the Financial Assistance ‘themed’ Fund.  The Panel had suggested some ideas which required further investigation and this was now presented to the Panel for consideration.

The Chair thanked the Partnerships and Funding Officer for her report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Bower suggested that the fund be used for musical teaching in schools and the purchase of instruments.  The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health explained that there were already several outlets in West Norfolk which provided this such as Norfolk Music Hub, Creative Arts East, West Norfolk Girls Schools Trust and King’s Lynn Festival.

Councillor Kemp suggested that the fund be used for tree planting and made reference to Hardings Way.  The Chair explained that the Woodland Trust could provide assistance with tree planting.  The Partnerships and Funding Officer explained that there was also an open spaces fund available through the financial assistance scheme as a result of Government Funding being awarded.  The fund was being administered by Norfolk Community Foundation and was open for bids until 31^st October 2019.  More information was available at https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/open-spaces-fund/?area=west-norfolk

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Health, Councillor Nockolds explained that Groundworks Gallery and other businesses in the town centre were also raising funds for “street trees”.

Councillor Bambridge asked for information on the funding being made available for VE and VJ day celebrations and it was explained that organisations could apply for grants of up to £100.  More information was available on the Norfolk Community Foundation website.

Councillor Collop referred to a suggestion she had made at the previous meeting regarding a memorial bench for the late Ian Gourlay and it was explained that the best route to apply for funding for this would be through the open spaces fund, which was currently available for applications.

Councillor Squire suggested that the themed fund be used to improve the environment and the local community and be kept quite generic.  Applications could then be considered on their merits.

Councillor Moriarty commented that he supported option one as set out in the report and that the fund should be publicised so that the local community were made aware of the opportunity available to them.

Councillor Bubb referred to the disabled toilet at RSPB Titchwell and was informed that organisations could apply for funding through Norfolk Community Foundation who administered the financial assistance scheme on behalf of the Borough Council.

Councillor Kemp made reference to community litter picks and explained that at a recent event there was a charge for taking the waste to the tip.  She asked if funding could be made available to help with any disposal costs after community litter picks.

Councillor Squire commented that if the fund was allocated for the reduction of single use plastics this should not cover the purchase of any single use items, for instance wooden or bamboo cutlery.  She stated that items should be reusable. 

RESOLVED: The Panel supported that the £4,000 be allocated to promote environmentally friendly initiatives in local communities such as the reduction of the use of single use plastics and local community litter picks.