Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (February 2023)
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Democratic Services Location: Phase II Ext: 0692 DDI: 01895 250692 CMD No: 696 To: COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS MILLS CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES c.c. All Members of th e Finance and C orporate Services Select Committee c.c. Natasha Norton – Place Directorate c.c. Perry Scott – Corporate Director of Place c.c. Ward Councillors for Colham and Cowley, Hillingdon East, Pinkwell, and West Drayton Date: 13 February 2023 Non-Key Decision request Form D NEW ALLOCATION S FOR THE WARD BUD GET SCHEME (FEBRUARY 2023) 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 Tuesday 21 February 2023 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. Ryan Dell Democratic Services Officer Title of Report: New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (February 2023) 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 – 13 February 2023 Page 1 Part 1 – Public NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME ( FEBRUARY 2023) Cabinet Member Councillor Douglas Mills Cabinet Portfolio Cabinet Member for Corporate Services Officer Contact Natasha Norton – Place Directorate Papers with report Appendix A - Details of projects submitted for the Ward Budget Scheme from 4 November 2022 to 5 January 2023. Appendix B - Ward Budget Financial Summary to 5 January 2023. 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 adopted Council Strategy commitments to residents of ‘Thriving, Healthy Households’ and ‘A Green and Sustainable Borough’, specifically: Live Active and Healthy Lives and Enjoy Access to Green Space, Leisure Activities, Culture and Arts. 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 £1,171,325 . This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to release funds of £6,620 for five new Ward Budget grants, taking the proposal total to £1,177,945 and leaving a balance of £252, 055 available for allocation. Relevant Select Committee Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee. Relevant Wards Colham and Cowley, Hillingdon East, Pinkwell and West Drayton. RECOMMENDATION That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approves the allocation of £ 6,620 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals: Ward Grant Recipient Amount Colham and Cowley Colham Manor Primary School outdoor chalkboard for early years £1,020 Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 2 Part 1 – Public Ward Grant Recipient Amount Hillingdon East Portable flood lights for Hillingdon Abbotts FC £2,000 Pinkwell SEND Family Support's Santa’s grotto and Christmas market £2,500 West Drayton Bell Farm Christian Centre Children’s Christmas party £ 300 West Drayton Bell Farm Christian Centre Christmas party for older persons £ 800 TOTAL £6,620 Reasons for recommendation 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/risk management None. Select Committee comments None at this stage. SUPPORTING INFORMATION Between 2011/12 and 2019/20, three tranches of Ward Budget growth funding, totalling £1,430,000, were agreed by Cabinet. The reserve balance remaining at the end of 2021/22 was £283,763. Since its launch, 790 projects with a cumulative value of £1,171,325 have benefitted via the Ward Budget initiative. 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 C ouncil elections . The 21 new wards were allocated £5,000 plus £2,5 00 for each elected representative for the ward. 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. A further five proposals, covering four wards and totalling £6,620, have been received; the details of these are set out in Appendix A of this report. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 3 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 £1,430,00 £1,430,000 2011/12 to 2021/22 769 £1,146,237 £283,763 2022/23 August 6 5 £6,524 £277,239 2022/23 October 6 5 £8,367 £268,872 2022/23 November 9 5 £10,197 £258,675 2022/23 January 5 4 £6,620 £252,055 795 £1,177,945 £1,430,000 £252,055 The updated balance of funds for each 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 £1,146,237, covering all 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 five grants totalling £ 6,620 recommended within this report for January 2023 will take the aggregate value of proposals approved to £1,177,945, leaving an unallocated balance of £252,055 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 52,055 will remain available to support future initiatives. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 4 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 – 13 February 2023 Page 5 Part 1 – Public APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Colham and Cowley WB6CC01 Colham Manor Primary School outdoor chalkboard for e arly years £1,020 Councillors Ahmad- Wallana & Chamdal £11,480 Supporting Information 1. Some 152 children aged between 3 and 5 currently attend Colham Manor School’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). 2. Colham Manor Primary School’s mission is to inspire children to achieve more than they ever believed possible , striving to give children a strong foundation to grow, explore and achieve as learners and feel happy, safe, and secure, in an enabling environment. 3. It is Colham Manor Primary School’s responsibility in the EYFS to introduce and embed five values - Respectful, Enthusiastic, Ambitious, Courageous, Healthy - as well as promoting three steps to success; always follow instructions, keep themselves and others safe, be kind and respectful. 4. T he grant will be used to enhance the outdoor learning facilities for early years. A chalkboard will be purchased for pupils to grasp the basic concepts of science and develop other skills. 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 ‘ Thriving healthy households.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 6 Part 1 – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Hillingdon East WB6HE01 Portable flood lights for Hillingdon Abbotts FC £2,000 Councillors Bridges & Sullivan £10,500 Supporting Information 1. Hillingdon Abbots F C is a Middlesex F ootball Association affiliated grassroots football club, situated within Pole Hill Park, Hillingdon. 2. The club has several teams that accommodate for children and young adults 18 and under, also adult and vet eran players returning to the sport. 3. The club holds events through the year including Game and Quiz Nights, Football Summer Camp and Halloween evenings. 4. The grant will be used towards the purchase of portable flood lights for evening matches. This will facilitate greater use of the facilities during the darker autumn/winter months. 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 a ‘ Thriving healthy households.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 7 Part 1 – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Pinkwell WB6PI02 SEND Family Support's Santa ’s grotto and Christmas market £2,500 Councillors Mand & Gill £8,500 Supporting Information 1. SEND Family Support started off as a non- profit organisation called Hillingdon DADS seven years ago. In September 2019 it registered as a charity and changed its name to match its purpose. 2. The support group holds regular drop-in centres, fun days, and events for fami lies caring for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. 3. A Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Market has been an annual event at SEND Family Support since 2017. During the COVID lockdowns and restrictions, the support group ran an alternative event called Santa’s Delivery Service. This will be the first Grotto and market since December 2019. 4. The Ward Budget grant was used to contribute towards entertainment, advertising the event , and gift vouchers from Santa for the children and young adults with special education needs and disabilities. Target Delivery Date Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member as the event was taking place in December 2022. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to achieve ‘Safe and St rong Communities’ and ‘Thriving healthy households.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval request. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 8 Part 1 – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining West Drayton WB6WD02 Bell Farm Christian Centre Children’s Christmas party £300 Councillors Sweeting & Islam £11,176 Supporting Information 1. Bell Farm Christian Centre is a Christian Church based in the centre of the Bell Farm Estate in West Drayton and plays a pivotal role in providing information, advice, advocacy, and support to members of the local community. 2. The Children and Families Section currently provides support and activities for children, families and young people living within the area. The Centre currently provides c hildren’s events and Holidays Clubs, Parent and Toddler Support Groups and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. 3. The Ward Budget grant contribute d towards the cost of refreshments and craft activities for the Children’s Christmas Party for some 50 children. Target Delivery Date Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member as the event was taking place in December 2022 Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to achieve ‘Safe and St rong Communities’ and ‘Thriving healthy households.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval request. Cabinet Member Report – 13 February 2023 Page 9 Part 1 – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining West Drayton WB6WD03 Bell Farm Christian Centre Christmas party for older persons £800 Councillors Sweeting, Islam & Farley £10,376 Supporting Information 1. Bell Farm Christian Centre is long established in the community with its Doorway Advice and information Centre, Foodbank, Older Persons Dining Centre and International Café for Asylum Seekers. 2. The Centre was established in 1950 and has been run as a charity since 1997. The Centre works with those around the area to alleviate hardship, loneliness and stress. 3. The Ward Budget grant contributed towards a three-course Christmas Lunch, entertainment and presents for some 100 persons who attend the Dining Centre, many of those being isolated. Target Delivery Date Early approval has been given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member as the event was taking place in December 2022. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards priorities within the draft Council Strategy 2022- 2026 and in particular to achieve ‘Safe and St rong Communities’ and ‘Thriving healthy households.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged in- line with the early approval request. Cabinet Member Report – February 2023 Part 1 – Public APPENDIX B: WARD BUDGET SUMMARY (JANUARY 2023 CABINET MEMBER REPORT)
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 21 February 2023 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
(FEBRUARY 2023)
Reference No. 696
Date of decision Tuesday 21 February 2023
Call-in expiry date This decision comes into immediate effect
Relevant Select
Committee
Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee
Relevant Wards Colham & Cowley, Hillingdon East, Pinkwell, and West Drayton
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 £6,620 from the Ward Budget Scheme for
the following proposals:
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Colham and
Cowley
Colham Manor Primary School
outdoor chalkboard for early years
£1,020
Hillingdon East
Portable flood lights for Hillingdon
Abbotts FC
£2,000
Pinkwell
SEND Family Support's Santa’s
grotto and Christmas market
£2,500
West Drayton
Bell Farm Christian Centre
Children’s Christmas party
£300
West Drayton
Bell Farm Christian Centre
Christmas party for older persons
£800
Total £6,620
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.
Executive Decision Notice – 21 February 2023 Page 2
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
Classification Part I – Public
Link to associated
report
Here
Relevant Officer
contact & Directorate
Natasha Norton – 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:
THIS 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
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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) (M eetings and
Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.
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
Executive Decision Notice – 21 February 2023 Page 3
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
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