Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made at this point.

Report of Head of Democratic Services

The Senior Democratic Support Officer introduced a report for the Panel to consider the recommendations of the Sub-Panel for the review of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Grants to Non-Housing Voluntary Organisations.  The Panel was requested to formalise recommendations that would then be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration as part of the budget process.

The Panel was advised that some additional information had been received for consideration relating to concessionary benefits received by some of the organisations under consideration for funding and that this would be considered in addition to the details considered within the report.

In particular, Members were advised that additional information had been received from the Parking and Administration Manager that some of the organisations with pending SLA applications for grant funding also received free parking permits detailed in the table below:-

The Panel received further information relating to a future review of Community Transport Contracted services to support the new statutory Concessionary Travel scheme, which could impact on a future SLA with Lune Valley Transport.  This information was considered along with that application.

Members gave further consideration to additional recommendations in the report regarding the administration, monitoring, reporting and allocation of SLAs and grant funding to non-housing voluntary organisations to ensure the Council receives value for money and secures improved services for the community.

Members considered each application for Grant Funding and agreed the following recommendations for Cabinet’s consideration:-

Resolved:-

(1)        That officers explore the opportunity to offer a three year SLA for £2,000 per annum with no inflation for the provision of equality and diversity assistance and advice in the district.

(2)        That the Council offers a further three year SLA to Relate toward the rent of a fixed £6,800 per annum with no inflation.

(3)        That the Council offers a further three year SLA to One Voice at £6,000 per annum with no inflation via a joint SLA with Thumbprint if possible.

(4)        That the Council offers a further three year SLA to Lancaster International Twinning Society at £4,100 per annum, with inflation, and that the Council offers assistance/promotional material where possible.

(5)        That the Council offers a further three year SLA to Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau at £87,300 per annum with no inflation and £7,200 for rent with no inflation.  Furthermore the new SLA must include the provision for a money advice case worker to be located in the Customer Service Centre within Lancaster Town Hall at no additional cost to the Council, and the requirement for both Citizens Advice Bureaux to continue to explore potential efficiency savings through closer working.

(6)        That the Council offers a further three year SLA to Morecambe and Heysham Citizens Advice Bureau at £88,300 per annum with no inflation and that the opportunity be explored for a money advice case worker to be located in the Customer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.