Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (August 2022)
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Democratic Services
Location: Phase II
Ext: 0420
DDI: 01895 250420
CMD No: 557
To: COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS MILLS
CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES
c.c. All Councillors
c.c. All Members of the Finance & Corporate Services
Select Committee
c.c. Helena Webster, Place Directorate
c.c. Perry Scott, Corporate Director of Place
Date: 29 July 2022
Non-Key Decision request Form D
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (August 2022)
Dear Cabinet Member
Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual Cabinet
Member. Democratic Services confirm that this is not a key decision, as such, the Local
Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England)
Regulations 2012 notice period does not apply.
You should take a decision on or after Monday 08 August 2022 in order to meet
Constitutional requirements about publication of decisions that are to be made. You may
wish to discuss the report with the Corporate Director before it is made. Please indicate your
decision on the duplicate memo supplied, and return it to me when y ou have made your
decision. I will then arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published.
James Jones
Democratic Services Apprentice
Title of Report: New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (August 2022)
Decision made:
Reasons for your decision: (e.g. as stated in report)
Alternatives considered and rejected: (e.g. as stated in report)
Signed ………………………………………………………Date……………………..
Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME: AUGUST 2022
REPORT
Cabinet Member Councillor Douglas Mills
Cabinet Portfolio Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Officer Contact Helena Webster – Place Directorate
Papers with report Appendix A - Details of projects submitted for the Ward Budget
Scheme from 16 June to 18 July 2022.
Appendix B - Ward Budget financial summary to 18 July 2022.
HEADLINES
Summary
This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to allocate funds from
the Ward Budget Scheme for proposals submitted by Ward
Councillors.
Putting our
Residents First
The Ward Budget Initiative supports the following Council objectives
of: Our People; Our Natural Environment; Our Built Environment;
Our Heritage and Civic Pride.
Financial Cost The overall funds earmarked for the Ward Budget Scheme since its
inception in 2011 total £1,430,000. The aggregate value of
proposals to date is £1,146,237. This report seeks Cabinet Member
approval to release funds of £6,524 for six new Ward Budget grants,
taking the proposal total to £1,1 52,761 and leaving a balance of
£277,239 available for allocation.
Relevant Select
Committee
Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee
Relevant Wards Eastcote, Heath row Villages, South Ruislip , West Drayton and
Yeading
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approves the allocation of £ 6,524 from
the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals:
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Eastcote St Lawrence Church kitchen refurbishment £3,000
Heathrow
Villages
Harmondsworth Allotment Association day-trip for local
residents £750
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Heathrow
Villages
Harmondsworth Allotment Association skip hire and clean-up
costs at Moor Lane Allotments £250
South Ruislip Spotlight School of Dance annual performance for residents £500
West Drayton Bell Farm Christian Centre Summer Holiday club £1,024
Yeading Hillingdon Play Association defibrillator and garden furniture £1,000
TOTAL £6,524
Reasons for recommendation
The Ward Budget Scheme enables Councillor’s, with their local knowledge and insight, to submit
proposals for expenditure, supporting local priorities using their specific ward allocation. Each of
the proposals submitted complies with the protocol on the use of Ward Budgets.
Alternative options considered / risk management
None.
Select Committee comments
None at this stage.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Ward Budget funding is used for proposals that make a difference in a local area and to give
residents a chance to influence how their local priorities are met. Primarily, the funds are intended
for one-off expenditure on physical works, events or activities that have a positive impact within
the ward. Proposals are submitted with the agreement of all relevant ward councillors.
Between 2011/12 and 2019/20, three tranches of Ward Budget growth funding, totalling
£1,430,000, were agreed by Cabinet. Since its launch, 769 projects with an accumulative value
of £1,146,237 have benefitted via the Ward Budget initiative. The reserve balance remaining at
the end of 2021/22 was £283,763.
At its meeting in June 2022, Cabinet agreed a revised Ward Budget allocation of £237,500 (from
the reserve balance) based on the area/population density of each of the new 21 wards following
the Local Government Boundary Commission’s recommendations and as implemented for the
May 2022 council elections . The 21 new wards were allocated £5,000 plus £2,500k for each
elected representative for the ward.
Since the June 2022 relaunch, six proposals, covering five wards and totalling £6,524, have been
received; the details of these are set out in Appendix A of this report.
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Financial
Year
Cabinet
Member
Approval
No. of
Proposals
No. of
Wards
Total
Proposal
Value
Growth
Funding
Balance
Remaining
Aggregate earmarked funding to date £1,430,000 £1,430,000
2011/12 to
2021/22 769 £1,146,237 £283,763
2022/23 August 6 5 £6,524 £277,239
775 £1,152,761 £1,430,000 £277,239
The updated balance of funds for each new ward under the Ward Budget Scheme is set out in
Appendix B.
Financial Implications
The total growth allocation to date for the Ward Budget Scheme is £1,430,000. Between 2011/12
and 2021/22, proposals with an aggregate value of £1,152,761, covering all of the 22 former
wards, were approved. At the end of 2021/22, the reserve balance available for distribution was
£283,763.
As referenced above, at its June 2022 meeting; Cabinet agreed a revised Ward Budget allocation
of £237,500, across the 21 new wards. The six grants totalling £6,524 recommended within this
report for August 2022 will take the aggregate value of proposals approved to £1,152,761, leaving
an unallocated balance of £277,239 on the reserve available for distribution.
RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION
The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities
Ward Budgets help Councillors to make a difference in their W ard. They address specific local
priorities by delivering proposals to benefit residents and local organisations.
Consultation carried out or required
Consultation with the lead Councillor from each Ward and officers internally has taken place,
where appropriate. Where other services are involved, such as Residents’ Associations, and
community organisations, the views of these groups have helped to shape the nature of the
proposals.
CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance has reviewed this report and concurs with the financial implications set out
above. If the schemes set out in this report are approved, £2 77k will remain available to support
future initiatives.
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Legal Implications
The Borough Solicitor confirms that the projects being funded comply with the protocol on the use
of Ward Budgets and there are no legal impediments to prevent the Cabinet Member from
authorising this expenditure.
Infrastructure / Asset Management
None at this stage.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
NIL.
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Eastcote WB6EA01 St Lawrence Church kitchen
refurbishment
£3,000 Cllr Denys and
Cllr Edwards
£9,500
Supporting Information
1. St Lawrence Church is the local p arish church in its area and has a
thriving well-supported congregation. The c hurch hall and kitchen
facilities are hired regularly by a variety of organisations including
Rainbow, Brownie and Guide groups and the Townswomen’s Guild.
2. Church members themselves organise a bi -monthly lunch club
catering for up to 40 elderly residents providing a two- course meal
and a film club with a membership of 50 local residents showing a
feature length file followed by afternoon tea and cakes.
3. The church hall kitchen requires a refurbishment including
replacement worktops, new sinks and taps with associated plumbing
costs in addition to making good the existing kitchen units.
4. A £1,595 grant was awarded in March 2022 and this further
contribution will enable the kitchen refurbishment work to commence
to benefit all local residents who use the church facilities.
Target Delivery Date
The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to achieve safe and strong
communities.
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has
been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Heathrow
Villages
WB6HV01 Harmondsworth Allotment
Association day trip for local
residents
£750 Cllr Nelson
and Cllr
Money
£9,250
Supporting Information
1. Harmondsworth Village Allo tments and Horticultural Association
have been organising community events for the past few years
including Christmas markets, summer fayres and allotment open
days.
2. The activities are focused on brining the community together and
supporting the general wellbeing of Heathrow Villages residents .
This includes close partnership working with Hillingdon Mind who
have collaborated to give advice and support at previous events.
3. The ward budget grant will contribute towards the cost of a coach
trip to the coast , specifically the coach hire, for up to 55 local
residents, including particularly vulnerabl e members of the
community.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member
as the trip was being organised for mid-July.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘achieve thriving healthy
households.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer has been arranged in-line with the early approval
request.
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Heathrow
Villages
WB6HV02 Harmondsworth Allotment
Association skip hire and clean-
up costs at Moor Lane
Allotments
£250 Cllr Nelson
and Cllr
Money
£9,000
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Supporting Information
1. Moor Lane allotments have provided a welcome release for elderly
residents and those with restricted mobility during the pandemic ,
enabling vulnerable people to exercise in a safe and secure
environment whilst learning about growing plants.
2. A recent severe fire at the allotments has had a substantial impact
on all plot holders, leaving many very anxious. The ward budget
grant will fund the skip hire to dispose of all non- recyclable waste
material.
3. The prompt clearance will help to restore the allotment plot whilst
also enabling the Harmondsworth Allotment Association members
to work together and maintain a sense of solidarity and purpose.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member
to facilitate prompt clean-up of the allotments
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘achieve a green and
sustainable borough.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval
request.
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
South
Ruislip
WB6SR01 Spotlight School of Dance
annual performance for
residents
£500 Cllr Tuckwell
and Cllr Mills
£12,000
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Supporting Information
1. Spotlight School of Dance has been part of the local community for
over 50 years holding ballet, tap, modern, street dance , musical
theatre, and choreography lessons for a range of ages and abilities.
2. South Ruislip Methodist Church is a base for the dance lessons
accessed by some 120 -130 local families with some 160 pupils
ranging from toddlers to older adults.
3. Every other year a performance is held to give the children and
adults the opportunity to enjoy performing on stage in front of an
audience as well as showcasing local talent for residents to enjoy.
4. The ward budget grant will be used towards the cost of the dance
school show including photography, sound equipment hire, video
etc.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member
to facilitate release of the grant for the July dancing display
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘achieve thriving and healthy
households.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval
request.
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
West
Drayton
WB6WD01 Bell Farm Christian Centre
Summer Holiday club
£1,024 Cllr Sweeting
and Cllr Farley
£11,476
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Supporting Information
1. Bell Farm Christian Centre is a church and registered charity offering
services and support for the community at the heart of the Bell Farm
estate in West Drayton.
2. The centre was established in 1950 and has been operational as a
charity since 1997. The diverse services provided include p arent &
toddler support groups, an older persons ’ dining centre, foodbank,
digital inclusion classes and advice & information.
3. The ward budget grant will be used towards the cost of a one-week
holiday club from 15 to 19 August for about 70 children aged between
five and 11 years. The grant will specifically provide funding for the
hire of an entertainer, go karts and a fun run obstacle course during
the course of the week.
Target Delivery Date
Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member
to facilitate release of the grant
ahead of the holiday club starting in
August.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within t he draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘achieve thriving and healthy
households.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval
request.
Ward Ref No Proposal Cost
Councillor
Approval
Received
Balance
remaining
Yeading WB6YE01 Hillingdon Play Association
defibrillator and garden furniture
£1,000 Cllr Dhot and
Cllr Judge
Dhot
£9,000
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022 Page 1
Part 1 – Public
Supporting Information
1. Hillingdon Play Association (HPA) is a voluntary organisation,
incorporated in 2007, which advocates , supports, promotes, and
coordinates the provision of quality play for children and young
people in the borough.
2. HPA is based at the Welbeck Community Resource Centre in
Yeading and currently runs a stay and play session three mornings
a week for babies and toddlers up to four years old and their
parents.
3. The ward budget grant will be us ed to fund the purchase of a
defibrillator and cabinet as well as garden furniture for families using
the centre
Target Delivery Date
The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved.
Expected Outcome
The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council
Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to ‘ achieve safe and strong
communities.’
Recipient of funding
A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has
been approved.
Cabinet Member Report – 29 July 2022
Part 1 – Public
APPENDIX B: WARD BUDGET SUMMARY (AUGUST 2022 CABINET MEMBER REPORT)
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 8 August 2022 Page 1 This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk OFFICIAL EXECUTIVE DECISION NOTICE PUBLISHED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES Notice is hereby given that the following decision(s) have been made today by Cabinet Members at the London Borough of Hillingdon: Title of decision NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME: AUGUST 2022 Reference No. 557 Date of decision Monday 8 August 2022 Call-in expiry date Decision comes into immediate effect Relevant Select Committee Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee Relevant Wards Eastcote, Heathrow Villages, South Ruislip, West Drayton and Yeading Decision made Cabinet Members making the decision Councillor Douglas Mills – Cabinet Member for Corporate Services Approved That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approve d the allocation of £6,524 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals: Ward Grant Recipient Amount Eastcote St Lawrence Church kitchen refurbishment £3,000 Heathrow Villages Harmondsworth Allotment Association day-trip for local residents £750 Heathrow Villages Harmondsworth Allotment Association skip hire and clean-up costs at Moor Lane Allotments £250 South Ruislip Spotlight School of Dance annual performance for residents £500 West Drayton Bell Farm Christian Centre Summer Holiday club £1,024 Yeading Hillingdon Play Association defibrillator and garden furniture £1,000 Executive Decision Notice – 8 August 2022 Page 2 This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk TOTAL £6,524 Reason for decision The Ward Budget Scheme enables Councillors, with their local knowledge and insight, to submit proposals for expenditure, supporting local priorities using their specific ward allocation. Each of the proposals submitted complies with the protocol on the use of Ward Budgets. Alternative options considered and rejected None. Classification Part 1 – Public Link to associated report Report Relevant Officer contact & Directorate Helena Webster, Place Directorate Any interest declared by the Cabinet Member(s) / dispensation granted N/A Implementation of decision & scrutiny call-in [Internal Use only] When can this decision be implemented by officers? Officers can implement Cabinet Member decision in this notice only from the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period which is: Decision comes into immediate effect However, this is subject to the decision not being called in by Councillors on the relevant Select Committee. Upon receipt of a valid call-in request, Democratic Services will immediately advise the relevant officer(s) and the decision must then be put on hold. Councillor scrutiny call-in of this decision Councillors on the relevant Select Committee shown in this notice may request to call-in this decision. The request must be before the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period above. Councillors should use the Scrutiny Call-in App (link below) on their devices to initiate any call-in request. Further advice can be sought from Democratic Services if required: Scrutiny Call-In - Power Apps (secure) Further information These decisions, where applicable, have been taken under The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. Executive Decision Notice – 8 August 2022 Page 3 This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk This is the formal notice by the Council of the above executive decision, including links to the reports where applicable. If you would like more information on this decision, please contact Democratic Services on 01895 250636 or email: democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk. Circulation of this decision notice is to a variety of people including Members of the Council, Corporate Directors, Officers, Group Secretariats and the Public. Copies are also placed on the Council’s website. Democratic Services London Borough of Hillingdon Civic Centre High Street Uxbridge UB8 1UW