Agenda item

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) Officer to agree the level of grant funding for external agencies under the Strategic Grants Programme for a 3 year period (2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29).

The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151)to agree the level of grant funding for external agencies under the Strategic Grants Programme for a 3-year period (2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29).

RESOLVED that:

Noting the recommendation by the Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group.

1.    A Strategic Grant funding programme of £120,000 per annum be approved for 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29;

2.    The Grant continues to be allocated to individual organisations as set

out within Table 1 (contained within the report).

Note: *Report previously circulated

The Cabinet had before it a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151)to agree the level of grant funding for external agencies under the Strategic Grants Programme for a 3-year period (2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29).

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Government and Risk outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

• The report asked Cabinet to agree the level of grant funding for partner organisations under the discretionary strategic grants programme and approve proposed allocations.
• Members had previously stated they did not want any reduction to the strategic grants programme, despite these grants being non-statutory.
• The full £120,000 allocation with no reductions, reflecting recognition of the importance and value of these services for residents, vulnerable people, and the tourism economy.
• The report highlighted that these organisations delivered frontline support aligned with the corporate plan objectives: improving well-being, sustaining strong communities, and supporting local businesses.
• A three-year funding duration was proposed to provide stability during Local Government Reorganisation, ensuring new authorities honoured the awards.
• The Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group (PDG) recommended guaranteeing only the first year of funding and conducting a full review in 2026/27, noting the review would be a substantial undertaking.
• The 2023 review had assessed financial sustainability, strategic need, and alignment with corporate priorities.
• The strategic grants were described as targeted investments, not general community grants, due to limited resources.
• The Council continued supporting wider community and voluntary sectors through initiatives like the “Meet the Funders” event and economic development schemes.
• Cabinet was asked to consider an amended recommendation to align awards with a three-year commitment.

Discussion took place with regards to:

• Providing long-term, secure support for these initiatives, as they delivered important work for the Council economy and society was welcomed. Consistency was highly valuable and offered very good value for money.
• The strategic fund did not address the Council’s net zero targets in the corporate and climate strategies. It was highlighted that the Council was exploring a similar funding scheme to support community sustainability initiatives, which were essential for achieving net zero.
• The importance of working closely with charities, including groups like Sustainable Tiverton, to recognise their contributions and it was suggested that the Council could do more to support them.
• How long the organisations had been on the list and whether other voluntary groups in Mid Devon could have an opportunity to bid for support? It was confirmed those entities had been on the list for a significant amount of time.
• The concerns about future responsibilities and funding for Town and Parishes after Local Government Reorganisation and suggested creating a comprehensive signposting list to guide them, which could serve as a valuable legacy.
• What proportion of the £38,000 contribution to the Grand Western Canal, shown in Table 1 as funded from the New Homes Bonus, was expected to come from that source? It was explained that the Grand Western Canal had been 100% funded from the New Homes Bonus for the past 5–6 years. However, the Government planned to remove this funding mechanism from April 2026. The Council still held earmarked reserves of the New Homes Bonus, which would be sufficient to cover the 2026/27 funding commitment.
• What we do to support various Charities and communities to be promoted more.

RESOLVED that:

Noting the recommendation by the Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group:

1. A Strategic Grant funding programme of £120,000 per annum be approved for 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29;
2. Grants continue to be allocated to individual organisations as set out within Table 1 (contained within the report).

(Proposed by the Chair)

Reason for Decision:

The Strategic Grants were paid under Grant Funding Agreements (not Service Level Agreements). The current grants were awarded in 2024 for a period of two years, with the funding agreement ending March 2026. Therefore, no guarantee had been made regarding a continuation of funding after this period.