Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme – September 2023 Report
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Democratic Services Location: Phase II Ext: 0185 DDI: 01895 250185 CMD No: 914 To: COUNCILLOR IAN EDWARDS LEADER OF THE COUNCIL COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS MILLS CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES c.c. All Members of th e Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee c.c. Natasha Norton – Place Directorate c.c. Perry Scott – Corporate Director of Place Date: 25 September 2023 Non-Key Decision request Form D NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEM E (September 2023) Dear Cabinet Members, 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 03 October 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 you have made your decision. I will then arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published. Liz Penny Democratic Services Officer Title of Report: New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (September 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……………………. Leader of the Council / Cabinet Member for Corporate Services Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 1 Part I – Public NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME (September 2023) Cabinet Members Councillor Ian Edwards Councillor Douglas Mills Cabinet Portfolio Leader of the Council 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 13 June 2023 to 5 September 2023. Appendix B – Ward Budget Financial Summary for 5 September 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 £1,199,164 . This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to release funds of £ 9,682 for six new Ward Budget grants , taking the proposal total to £1,208,846 and leaving a balance of £221,154 available for allocation. Relevant Select Committee Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee. Relevant Wards Hayes Town, Hillingdon East, Pinkwell, Ruislip Manor, South Ruislip RECOMMENDATIONS 1) That the Leader of the Council approves the allocation of £ 1,710 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposal: Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 2 Part I – Public Ward Grant Recipient Amount Ruislip Manor St Pauls Church defibrillator £1,710 2) That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approves the allocation of £7,972 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals: Ward Grant Recipient Amount Hayes Town Grant to the Hayes Youth Movement to purchase home and away football kits, training equipment and other resources for the young people they support £2,000 Hayes Town Grant to the Hillingdon Somali Women’s Group to fund an English language trainer for a specific three-month project as well as contributing towards the Advice Quality Standard accreditation costs £1,800 Hillingdon East Grant to the SEND Family Support Group , c ontributing towards two events. £ 942 Pinkwell To contribute towards the Teeyan Ladies Event 2023 £1,800 South Ruislip To purchase summer hanging basket displays for Station Approach £1,430 SUBTOTAL £7,972 TOTAL 1. AND 2. £9,682 Reasons for recommendations 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. 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 Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 3 Part I – Public recommendations and as implemented for the May 2022 C ouncil elections. The 21 new wards were allocated £5,000 plus £2,500 for each elected representative for the ward. The reserve balance remaining at the end of 2022/23 was £2 43,488. Since its launch, 814 projects with a cumulative value of £1,199,164 have benefitted via the Ward Budget initiative. 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 six proposals, covering five wards and totalling £9,682 have been received. The details of these are set out in Appendix A of this report. Financial Year Cabinet Member Approval No. of Proposal s 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 35 £40,275 £243,488 2023/24 May 4 4 £3,250 £240,238 2023/24 June 6 6 £9,402 £230,836 2023/24 September 6 5 £9,682 £221,154 820 £1,208,846 £1,430,000 £221,154 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 202 2/23, proposals with an aggregate value of £1,186,512, covering all wards, were approved. At the end of 2022/23, the reserve balance available for distribution was £243,488. The six grants totalling £9,682, recommended within this report for September 2023, will take the aggregate value of proposals approved to £1,208,846, leaving an unallocated balance of £221,154 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. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 4 Part I – Public 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 21k will remain available to support future initiatives. Legal Implications As stated in the body of this report, the projects being funded comply with the protocol on the use of Ward Budgets and therefore , Legal Services confirm there are no legal impediments to agreeing the recommendation for the Cabinet Member to authorise the use of this expenditure as described. Infrastructure/ Asset Management None at this stage. BACKGROUND PAPERS NIL. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 5 Part I – Public APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME FROM 13 JUNE 2023 TO 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Hayes Town WB6HT04 Grant to the Hayes Youth Movement to purchase home and away football kits, training equipment and other resources for the young people they support. £2,000 Cllrs Curling, Gardner & Sansarpuri £6,400 Supporting Information 1. The Hayes Youth Movement is a recently established organisation, launched in June 2023 and registered as a Community Interest Company 2. Their main focus is to empower and support young people aged 11- 25 living in Hayes through a diverse range of events including a football club on Sundays for young adults between 16 and 25 years old and football activities for younger age groups on Saturdays. 3. The grant will be used primarily to support the football activities including home and away kits, essential equipment such as footballs, bibs, cones, markers, and hurdles. A full y itemised i nventory has been provided detailing the equipment and activities which the Hayes Town Ward Budget grant will cover. 4. In addition to football, quarterly 10k runs are planned. These activities serve as a platform for personal growth and achievement whist also encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle and sense of community. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts’ and ‘live active and healthy lives’. Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 6 Part I – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Hayes Town WB6HT05 Grant to the Hillingdon Somali Women’s Group to fund an English language trainer for a specific three-month project as well as contributing towards the Advice Quality Standard accreditation costs £1,800 Cllrs Curling, Gardner & Sansarpuri £4,600 Supporting Information 1. Hillingdon Somali Women’s Group is a charity limited by guarantee. It is a women- led organisation established in 1995 , motivated to engage women by the provision of training and support to enable them to educate themselves, improve their employment opportunities and become active members of the community. 2. The grant will be principally used to improve English language skills by offering two one and a half hour sessions a week for a period of three months. 3. Part of the grant will also cover the final inspection costs required to gain the Advice Quality Standard of the Advice Services Alliance accreditation. This will open opportunities for potential funders such as City Bridge Trust and will help re- establish sources of regular funding. 4. The funding will help to address the continuing poor standard of English evident in some members of the group which impairs their chances of securing employment and participating fully within the community. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘have opportunities to earn an income that supports their families.’ and ‘achieve well in educa tion, with opportunities for learning at all ages’. Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 7 Part I – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Hillingdon East WB6HE04 To the SEND Family Support Group, contributing towards two events. £942 Cllrs Chapman, Sullivan & Bridges £8,258 Supporting Information 1. Now starting their eighth year, SEND Family Support was originally a local support group for fathers caring for children with special educational support and disabilities, changing their name to better suit the purpose of the group. 2. SEND have planned two events taking place at Oakwood School, Sutton Court Road, o ne during the summer and a Christmas break for families caring for children and young adults with special educational needs, and disabilities. 3. Part of the grant was used to contribute towards a summer funday that took place on 2 July, which was the first event since Covid-19 restrictions. The funday included an autism reality experience, Big Bounce Day entertainment as well as other activities, and refreshments. 4. The remainder of the funds will be used for the annual Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Market. At the event, the families will enjoy the fun of the market whilst the children and young adults receive a gift from Santa. There will also be a chance for families to get information from other organisations regarding support and services available to them. Target Delivery Date Early approval was given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member to ensure that funding was received ahead of the summer event. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts’. Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged for the recipient in- line with the early approval consent. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 8 Part I – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Pinkwell WB6PI04 To contribute towards the Teeyan Ladies Event 2023 £1,800 Cllrs Gill & Lakhmana £3,070 Supporting Information 1. Teeyan is the Punjabi name of the festival of Teej which is celebrated in Punjab and dedicated to the onset of the monsoon, focusing on daughters and sisters. 2. The festival is mainly celebrated in India and Pakistan throughout July and August, where the main highlight is Giddah (a traditional Indian Ladies dance.) 3. This local initiative to celebrate Teeyan was initiated by a women's group over four years ago. The group focused on parents of Pinkwell Primary children, helped support its members during lockdown and has now evolved into organising community events such as litter picking, picnics and meet-ups. 4. The event, supported by War d Budget funding, was aimed at women and children, with around 300 people estimated to attend. In addition to dancing, the event included a DJ, refreshments , posters and banners, and gift hampers. Target Delivery Date Early approval was given at the discretion of the Cabinet Member to ensure that funding was received ahead of the event. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022- 2026, in particular to ‘enjoy access to green spaces, leisure activities, culture and arts’. Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged for the recipient in -line with the early approval consent. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 9 Part I – Public Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining Ruislip Manor WB6RM03 St Pauls Church defibrillator £1,710 Cllrs Mills & O’Brien £7,330 Supporting Information 1. St Pauls Church is located near the centre of Ruislip Manor where there are some 10,980 residents living within the Ward. The church and parish w ere formed in 1936 from part of the original Ruislip parish which dates back to the C11. 2. There are more than 100 members of the church, with an additional 100 plus visitors every week attending the many activities taking place within the church hall. This includes a memory café for those who are beginning to struggle with their memory which also offers support for their carers. 3. The funds will be used to purchase a defibrillator; this will be located on the external wall of the hall , t herefore making it available to the wider community in Ruislip Manor as an essential resource in trying to save the life of someone who is in cardiac arrest. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022- 2026, in particular to ‘live active and healthy lives’ and ‘be/feel safe from harm.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Ward Ref No Proposal Cost Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining South Ruislip WB6SR05 To purchase summer hanging basket display s for Station Approach £1,430 Cllrs Tuckwell, Makwana & Mills £5,610 Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Page 10 Part I – Public Supporting Information 1. Station Approach, South Ruislip, is a popular and well -used road located close to South Ruislip Station. The parades provide for a variety of shops and business , a s well as residential use above. 2. The cost for supplying and maintaining 22 hanging baskets have been provided by Green Spaces. 3. Local businesses and residents will benefit from the visual attraction, maintaining the existing floral displays through the summer months will helping to improve the public mood and promote a sense of Civic Pride in an area that is used by a significant number of Hillingdon residents. Target Delivery Date Early approval has been give n at the discretion of the Cabinet Member. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards the Council’s ambitions for residents 2022-2026, in particular to ‘live in a sustainable Borough that is carbon neutral.’ Recipient of funding An internal transfer has been arranged in-line with the early approval consent. Cabinet Member Report – 25 September 2023 Part 1 – Public APPENDIX B: WARD BUDGET FINANCIAL SUMMARY (September 2023 CABINET MEMBER REPORT)
View Decision / Minutes Text
Executive Decision Notice – 04 October 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
(September 2023)
Reference No. 914
Date of decision Wednesday 04 October 2023
Call-in expiry date This decision comes into immediate effect.
Relevant Select
Committee
Finance and Corporate Services Select Committee
Relevant Wards Hayes Town, Hillingdon East, Pinkwell, Ruislip Manor, South
Ruislip
Decision made
Cabinet
Members
making the
decision
Councillor Ian Edwards – Leader of the Council
Councillor Douglas Mills – Cabinet Member for Corporate Services
Approved
1) That the Leader of the Council approved the allocation of £1,710
from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposal:
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Ruislip
Manor St Pauls Church defibrillator £1,710
2) That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services approve d the
allocation of £ 7,972 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the
following proposals:
Ward Grant Recipient Amount
Hayes Town
Grant to the Hayes Youth Movement to
purchase home and away football kit s,
training equipment and other resources for
the young people they support
£2,000
Hayes Town
Grant to the Hillingdon Somali Women’s
Group to fund an English language trainer
for a specific three-month project as well as
£1,800
Executive Decision Notice – 04 October 2023 Page 2
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
contributing towards the Advice Quality
Standard accreditation costs
Hillingdon
East
Grant to the SEND Family Support Group,
contributing towards two events. £ 942
Pinkwell To contribute towards the Teeyan Ladies
Event 2023 £1,800
South Ruislip To purchase summer hanging basket
displays for Station Approach £1,430
SUBTOTAL £7,972
TOTAL 1. AND 2. £9,682
Reason for
decision
The Ward Budget Scheme enable s 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
No alternative options considered.
Classification Part I
Link to
associated
report
Link to 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.
Executive Decision Notice – 04 October 2023 Page 3
This notice is a public document also available to view on the Council's website www.hillingdon.gov.uk
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.
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,
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