Agenda Item No. 5

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Welsh Church Act Estate Committee: 15th October 2018

Report of the Managing Director

Applications for Financial Assistance 2018/19  

Purpose of the Report

1. To consider applications for financial assistance funded from the Welsh Church Act Estate.

Recommendation

1. That Committee considers and approves the applications for grant assistance as set out at Appendix A to this report.

Reason for the Recommendation

1.        In furtherance of the objectives of the trust.

Background

2. The Welsh Church Act Estate Committee has delegated authority to manage the trust's affairs in accordance with "The Scheme" the Welsh Church Act Estate as vested in the Council.
3. The purposes for which the Welsh Church Act fund may make grants is set out in summary at Appendix B to this report.
4. The applications received are set out in Appendix A to this report.

Relevant Issues and Options

5. Appendix A to this report sets out a summary of the applications to be considered.
6. Appendix C to this report sets out the fund's revenue estimates for the current financial year.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

7. The sum of £63,000 has been provided for grants in the Trust's revenue estimates for 2018/19. At the meeting of 16th July 2018 it was recommended that an allocation of £32,196 was made for Tranche 1 applications for grant assistance in 2018/19. It is recommended that a further £16,199 is now allocated as set out at Appendix A to this report which will leave a remaining balance of £14,605 to be allocated during 2018/19. It is proposed that a further grant deadline is set for 15th December 2018 with recommendations to be brought to Committee in January 2019.
8. At its meeting on 8th January 2018 Welsh Church Act Committee agreed to progress the recommended options for the lane to the rear of Church Road, Cadoxton at an estimated cost of £30,000. This cost will need to be funded from reserves and is reflected in the financial estimates shown in Appendix C.
9. This draw down of £30,000 of reserves will leave an estimated reserve balance of £90,000 at 31st March 2019.

Sustainability and Climate Change implications

10. There are no sustainability and climate change implications.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

11. There are no direct legal implications arising from this report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

12. The funding of the voluntary sector should assist in increasing social inclusion and reducing crime

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

13. The charitable purposes for which the fund may be applied are set out in the "Scheme for the Administration of the Trust". Applicants are asked to indicate how they will address equal opportunities and how they will demonstrate this.

Corporate/Service Objectives

14. The sole concern of the Committee is to act in the best interest of the Trust.

Policy Framework and Budget

15. Not applicable

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

16. Not applicable

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

17. None

Background Papers

Letters of application and grant application forms

Contact Officer

Gemma Jones, Principal Accountant, Directorate of Resources, Tel: 01446 709152

Officers Consulted

None

Responsible Officer:

Rob Thomas, Managing Director