Decision details

That the Cabinet Member approves the continuation of payments to VCS organisations providing BME support and consultation services for a twelve- month period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 as set out in this report.

The assessments completed for the BME activity determined that future funding should be secured through commissioning. The commissioning process will not be in place by 1 April 2023.

Extending the funding for a finite period will bridge the gap between the current position ending and the development of alternative arrangements. The interim arrangement would align to the agreed grant policies and processes, with no expectation that funding would continue beyond the stated bridging period. This would allow time for a fair and robust process to be put in place by no later than 31 December 2023, for funding to be made by no later than 1 April 2024.

The Council could do nothing and allow the current grants to end on 31 March 2023. This would impact those organisations currently delivering BME support activity, potentially leaving some vulnerable residents without support. It would also impact the organisation delivering consultation and engagement services and could result in the loss of valued activity that supports the Council’s core values.