Issue - meetings

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Friends of Highfield Orchard towards the cost of purchasing gardening equipment.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Highfield Orchard for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing gardening equipment.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Ward Members expressed their full support for the applicant organisation, however felt unable to grant the full amount on this occasion due to the limited funding they had remaining in their Ward Flexibility Budget for the remainder of the municipal year.

·         The applicant organisation was encouraged to explore the new Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) fund as an alternative funding source, although noted that this could only be applied for in relation to a different project.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to an application received from Friends of Highfield Orchard for a grant of £500 from the Ward Flexibility Budget (Cheadle Hulme South ward allocation) towards the cost of purchasing gardening equipment.

To consider an application for Ward Flexibility Funding from the Friends of Highfield Orchard towards the cost of purchasing gardening equipment.

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance and Monitoring Officer) submitted an application received on behalf of Friends of Highfield Orchard for a grant from the Ward Flexibility Budget towards the cost of purchasing gardening equipment.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Members expressed surprise at the timing of the application, given that Ward Members had arranged a meeting with the applicant for the week following the meeting.

·         Members emphasised that on occasion applications did need to be scrutinised further, as each ward only had £3000 to grant each year.

·         If the full amount could not be provided through Ward Flexibility Funding, the applicant could explore Stockport’s new Climate Action Now (CAN) grants as a potential available funding stream.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred until a future meeting of the Area Committee, pending the submission of further information from the applicant to provide further clarity on how the funding would be spent.