Agenda item

The purpose of the paper was to propose time-limited alterations to the criteria for the Community Chest Grant (CCG) funding scheme. The proposals would enable CCG funding to reach projects that had a positive impact for residents and communities affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

It was explained to the Grants Advisory Committee that due to the cost of living crisis, people who were on a moderate to good wage and those who were already in hardship were struggling with the increase of day-to-day bills, energy and food. People who were unable to keep themselves warm could develop health conditions which would put further pressure on the health care system.

The Grants Advisory Committee were advised of the motion agreed at full council on Thursday 22 September 2022 to declare a cost of living crisis with a recommendation that the Grants Advisory Committee would consider and make recommendations to the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources.

The four following points were made:

·       To expand the criteria to allow Parish Councils and Town Councils of any size to bid for Community Chest Grants to provide the benefit to those affected by the cost of living crisis.

·       An expansion of the criteria to allow applications for revenue costs or overhead costs, including salaries, rent and promotional materials for all projects.

·       There was a £20,000 ring fenced sum for applications that referred to the previous two recommendations which would be funded by the Integrated Care System funding which South Cambridgeshire District Council would be administrating, which would be committed by the end of March 2023 to deliver projects.

·       Reviews to change the criteria would happen at end of March 2023 with a view to assess if funding was still required or if it would revert to the original criteria.

It was noted that communications on any decision to amend the Community Chest Grants criteria would include a press release and all other usual comms channels, including social media and direct communications with Parish Councils and community groups and organisations.

The following examples of what would be provided were presented:

· Repair cafes where the local community could help in getting household items fixed for free.

· Time banking projects - an exchange-based work trading system in which hours are the currency instead of money.

· Lunch clubs - low-cost meals for those in need.

· Community support initiatives that would provide food/activities/support services/educate individuals on reducing food waste and cooking low-cost meals.

· Setting up/running a group or charity where people could obtain free furniture, clothing, food and toys.

· Establishing or building the capacity of food hubs, food banks or community fridges.

It was emphasised that all other criteria requirements including the upper funding limit, monitoring requirements and the need to return unspent funds would remain in place.

It was noted the application was for set up costs only but the wording at paragraphs 3 and 13 suggested foods would be included, it was stressed they would need to be re-drafted.

It was commented that the funding was there to help set up projects but there would be no top ups to help with buying food as there were not enough resources to provide subsidised food for everybody, therefore it was expected that communities would help contribute towards obtaining it. It was also explained that local Supermarkets were often generous with their food donations.

The recommendations were approved unanimously.