Decision details

That the Cabinet Member for Health and Communities:

a)    Notes progress to review BME community support and consultation funding; and

b)    Approves the continuation of payments to VCS organisations providing BME support and consultation services for a twelve-month period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 as set out in this report.

The assessments completed for the BME activity determined that future funding should be secured and thematically reviewed.

Extending the funding to 31 March 2025 will secure activity until the implementation of alternative arrangements. This aligns to the agreed grant policies and processes, with no expectation that funding would continue beyond the stated period.

Option 1 - Do nothing. The Council could do nothing and allow the current grants to end on 31 March 2024. Ceasing funding at this point would contribute towards addressing the Council’s budget deficit. However, this would impact those organisations currently delivering BME support activity and would also impact organisations delivering consultation and engagement support Although grants are allocated on an annual basis it is important that organisations are given appropriate notice of any changes as specified in Best Value Guidance and the Derbyshire Compact. This option is therefore not desirable as it would not support the Council to meet these obligations.

Option 2 - Extend for a time limited period (six months). The Council could extend grants for a time limited period with a review at six months, ensuring continuation of activity whilst further work is undertaken to assess the funding against the Council’s emerging financial position and budgetary priorities. However, this option would both leave organisations with limited ability to plan activity and budgets and could therefore result in a loss of consultation activity and expertise before a definitive decision on the future funding/approach is agreed.