Issue - meetings

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1.    Cabinet approved the award of up to £160K as a Capital Grant to Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club as included in the approved Capital Budget for 2018-19.

2.    Cabinet delegated to the Head of Customer and Communities in consultation with the Borough Secretary to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Trustees of Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club for a grant not exceeding £160k.

Councillor Larratt as the relevant Cabinet Member submitted a report seeking approval to award £160K Capital Grant to Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club.  The Council had been involved in the Club since its creation in 1986 and it had been a privilege to see it grow.  Sport4Fitness have done excellent work with disabled young people and carers.  There were a significant number of other sports activities, including a bowls club and football.  It was a successful and well-run Club.

Councillor Birch addressed Cabinet and expressed concern that the organisation was an unincorporated body with no capacity to enter into contracts.  Responsibility would be taken by the trustees; individuals would be put at risk and should be protected. She suggested a limited company or Community Interest Company be formed to protect the trustees.

Councillor Larratt stated that the trustees were aware of the issue, were happy to accept liability and did not consider the risk to be great.  This process had been followed before without problems.  The Borough Secretary agreed that it was not abnormal.  Public money was being put into a trust; individuals had responsibility, but the risk was considered manageable.  Councillor King stated that Section 4.2.2 of the report would ensure due process was followed from the Council’s side.

The Leader considered that the point was well made, but proposed to accept the recommendations as they stood.

Councillor Hallam stated for the record that he had given money from his Empowering Councillor Fund to Sports4Fitness.

RESOLVED:

1.    Cabinet approved the award of up to £160K as a Capital Grant to Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club as included in the approved Capital Budget for 2018-19.

2.    Cabinet delegated to the Head of Customer and Communities in consultation with the Borough Secretary to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Trustees of Fernie Fields Sports and Social Club for a grant not exceeding £160k.