Decision details

The sum of c. £30,000 remained following the allocation of Mobile Warden Scheme grants in March 2021.  Members of Grants Advisory Committee (GAC) requested that Officers explore options for best use of this funding.  Options considered included directing it towards other programmes and initiatives which support older people to live independently and improve quality of life and re-directing it into the Service Support Grant funding, which will be reviewed with GAC later this year.

Officers engaged with a number of voluntary sector organisations to garner views on how this money could be used most effectively, particularly to assist throughout the covid recovery period.  A report was presented to GAC to consider the options.

GAC agreed to recommend to the lead Member for finance that the £30,000 be re-directed into the Service Support Grant budget for the 2022-25 period.

·  SCDC has provided other post Covid recovery funds and there are other funding sources available to the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). 

·  It was felt that most groups needed practical rather than financial support to continue to operate and SCDC is also offering this through its own post Covid work. 

·  The Service Support Grant budget has not seen an increase for many years. The Service Support Grant supports numerous VCS organisations aligned to SCDC priorities.

Option 1: To set up a one-off grant for older people to help organisations and or community groups tackle directly the themes emerging from discussions with the voluntary organisations.

Reason for rejection: It was agreed that South Cambs District Council (SCDC) already had a Covid recovery fund with £25,000 yet to be allocated and that there are numerous other funding sources available to help organisations working with older people. It was felt that most groups needed practical not financial support to get activities back up and running.

Option 3: To defer a decision if further information is required.

Reason for rejection: No further information was sought and a clear decision was made.