Agenda Document Pack - Perth Common Good Fund Committee - 04/05/2026
Perth and Kinross Council · 4 May 2026
Back to Perth Common Good Fund Committee — 4 May 2026 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 27/04/2026 A hybrid meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, 04 May 2026 at 13:00. If you have any queries please contact Committee Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Bailie Chris Ahern Councillor Liz Barrett Councillor Peter Barrett Councillor Andy Chan Councillor Stewart Donaldson Councillor Eric Drysdale Councillor Iain MacPherson Councillor Carol Mair Councillor Ian Massie Councillor Sheila McCole Depute Provost Andrew Parrott Councillor John Rebbeck Page 1 of 40
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Perth Common Good Fund Committee Monday, 04 May 2026 AGENDA MEMBERS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO DECLARE ANY FINANCIAL OR NON-FINANCIAL INTEREST WHICH THEY MAY HAVE IN ANY ITEM ON THIS AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND COMMITTEE OF 2 FEBRUARY 2026 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 10 4 MATTERS ARISING 5 APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 26/119) 11 - 24 6 2025/26 AND 2026/27 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Report by Chief Finance Officer (copy herewith 26/120) 25 - 32 7 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND CRITERIA AMENDMENT Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 26/121) 33 - 40 8 PROPOSED SALE OF PART OF NAVIGATE BUILDING, GEORGE INN LANE, PERTH This item has been withdrawn from the agenda and will be brought to the next meeting. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PUBLIC AND PRESS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED DURING CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM(S) IN ORDER TO AVOID THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION WHICH IS EXEMPT IN TERMS OF SCHEDULE 7A TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1973 P1 RENT REVIEW - TILLICOULTRY QUARRIES LIMITED AT SHORE ROAD, PERTH; AND LEASE EXTENSION – ONE CALL LIMITED AT SHORE ROAD, PERTH • Exempt Reason 6 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority). Page 3 of 40
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• Exempt Reason 9 - Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services. Page 4 of 40
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Perth Common Good Fund Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee held in the Council Chamber, 2 High Street, Perth on Monday 2 February 2026 at 1.00pm. Present: Depute Provost A Parrott; Bailie C Ahern; Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett (from Item 7 onwards), A Chan, S Donaldson, I Macpherson, I Massie and J Rebbeck. In Attendance: S Kimmet (Housing and Communities); A O’Brien and H Nicoll (both Finance and Business Support); A Peace and L Campbell (both Economy, Development and Planning); A Taylor, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Apology: Councillor E Drysdale, C Mair and S McCole. Depute Provost A Parrott, Convener, Presiding. 1. Welcome and Apologies The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting and apologies for absence were noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct Bailie Ahern declared a non- financial interest in Item 5 - Para 6.8 (Mindspace & PKAVS). 3. Minute of Meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund of 27 October 2025 for Approval The minute of meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund of 27 October 2025, was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Matters Arising Disposal – Former George Inn Lane Centre (Item 4 – Matters Arising refers) Bailie Ahern referred to previous discussions he had had with Waste Services and Property Services concerning the disposal of the Former George Inn Lane Centre, he drew attention to a misunderstanding that had arisen over the extent of ground being disposed of. He further explained that he and the Chief Executive had in 2024 discussed the relocation of the bin store in George Inn Lane onto part of the Former George Inn Lane Centre site. However, officers involved latterly in the disposal of the Former George Inn Lane Centre and the exploration of alternative approaches to relocating the bin store were unfortunately unsighted on those earlier discussions. 3 Page 5 of 40
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Following discussion Officers were instructed to investigate the possibility of re-opening discussions with the purchaser with a view to making this provision and to report back on any subsequent discussions to this Committee in due course. Post Meeting Note An email from Ashley Peace, Senior Estates Surveyor was subsequently circulated to all Members of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee on 23 February 2026 advising that following discussion between the Council’s Legal Services and the Purchaser’s Solicitor, the Purchaser has advised that he would not be willing to change the agreed way forward at this late stage in the transaction. 5. Applications For Financial Assistance There was submitted a report by the Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (26/29) asking Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider eight small grants, two cost of living, and three capital grant applications. Small Grants (1) Hearts and Minds Resolved: Hearts and Minds, be awarded a grant of £2,020 towards their 2026 Clowndoctors in the Classroom project at Fairview Primary School. (2) Perth Floral Art Club Resolved: Perth Floral Art Club, be awarded a grant of £425 towards coach hire to attend the Scottish Association of Flower Arrangement Society (AFAS) 70th Anniversary Flower Festival in Dunfermline on 9 May 2026. (3) Holiday@Home at Perth Babtist Church Resolved: Perth Babtist Church, be awarded a grant of £2,500 towards trip costs and catering for their 2026 Holiday@home project. (4) Perth Festival of the Arts Resolved: Perth Festival of the Arts, be awarded a grant of £2,907 towards the 2026 Community Stages and Big Sing Project. (5) 64th DH Knieja Girl Guides Perth Unit (Polish Scouting Association) Resolved: The 64th DH Knieja Girl Guides Perth Unit, be awarded a grant of £1,000 towards their 2026 Summer Camp. Page 6 of 40
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(6) 44th DH Boy Scouts (Polish Scouting Association) Resolved: The 44th DH Knieja Boy Scouts, be awarded a grant of £1,000 towards their 2026 Summer Camp. (7) St John’s Kirk Resolved: St John’s Kirk, be awarded a grant of £2,000 towards the 2026 ringing of the Perth Carillion Programme. (8) Perth Musical (Competition) Festival Association Resolved: Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association, be awarded a grant of £8,100 towards their 102nd annual festival in March 2026, known locally as Perform in Perth. Post Meeting Note Following a review of the decisions made at the meeting it came to light that a Small Grant Application for Financial Assistance received from Perth Amateur Operatic Society seeking £5,000 had been omitted in error from Report 26/29. It was agreed, following discussion with the Convener that the information be circulated to the members of Perth Common Good Fund Committee by email seeking a written decision on the application. A Motion by Depute Provost Parrott, seconded by Councillor L Barrett to award Perth Amateur Operatic Society a grant of £5,000 towards the production of their April 2026 production of ‘We Will Rock You’ was proposed and circulated to all Members. Subsequently, Bailie C Ahern, Councillors P Barrett, A Chan, I MacPherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole and J Rebbeck all confirmed in writing they were happy to agree with the grant award proposed. Cost of Living Grant (1) Perth Hope Hub Resolved: Perth Hope Hub, be awarded a grant of £1,720 towards their 2026 Christmas Support programme. (2) Perth College UHI Resolved: Perth College UHI, be awarded a grant of £5,000 towards their Big Project 2026/27. Page 7 of 40
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Capital Grants (1) Children and Disability (CAD) Social Work Team Resolved: Children and Disability (CAD) Social Work Team, be awarded a grant of £3,775.88 towards their Family Allotment Project. (Having previously declared an interest, Bailie C Ahern provided Committee Members with some clarity on the application and the current lease in place but did not participate in the consideration of the following item of business). (2) Mindspace & PKAVS Resolved: Mindspace & PKAVS, be awarded a grant of £11,735 towards the Gateway Repair Project. (3) Julie Young Dance School (Community Dance Group) Resolved: Julie Dance School (Community Dance Group), be awarded a grant of £2,635.50 towards various equipment costs. 6. 2025/26 Financial Statement There was submitted a report by the Chief Finance Officer (26/30) (1) seeking approval of the 2026/27 budget for the Perth Common Good Fund and (2) providing details of actual income and expenditure to 31 December 2025 and the projected outturn for 2025/26. Motion by Depute Provost A Parrott and Bailie C Ahern The Cost-of-Living grant heading be removed from future Financial Statements and that any grants in the future be dealt with under the existing rules within the Small Grants system. Amendment by Councillors L Barrett and J Rebbeck The £15,000 surplus from 2025/26 be kept in a separate Financial Assistance – Cost of Living fund for financial year 2026/27. In terms of Standing Order 21, a roll call vote was taken 5 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Baile C Ahern, Councillors A Chan, I MacPherson and I Massie 2 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Councillors L Barrett and J Rebbeck Page 8 of 40
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1 Member abstained as follows: Councillor S Donaldson Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. 7. Perth CGF – Revised Financial Assistance Criteria Depute Provost Parrott requested input from Members on the potential to amend Paragraph 11.3 of the Perth Common Good Fund Revised Financial Assistance Criteria to read ‘Town Twinning Activities taking place in the City of Perth’. Resolved: Officers be instructed to bring a report back to the next meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee providing information on how other areas Common Good Funds deal with Town Twinning Activities. (It was agreed that the public and press should be excluded during consideration of the following item in order to avoid the disclosure of information which is exempt in terms of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.) P1. Rent Reviews – Norscot Truck and Van Limited Ground Leases at Shore Road, Perth There was submitted a report by the Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning (26/31), seeking approval to agree rent reviews with two common good assets at Shore Road, Perth that are let under the ground leases to Norscot Truck and Van Limited. Resolved: (i) The rent review, effective from 15 May 2022, under the terms of the ground lease of Site 1, 0.57 acres at Shore Road, Perth, as set out in Report 26/31, be approved. (i) The rent review, effective from 15 May 2022, under the terms of the ground lease of Site 2, 0.65 acres at Shore Road, Perth, as set out in Report 26/31, be approved. Page 9 of 40
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequalities ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Perth Common Good Fund Committee Date of Meeting: 4 May 2026 Report Title: Applications for Financial Assistance Report Number: 26/119 Report Author: Sarah Kimmet, Community Empowerment Officer communityempowerment@pkc.gov.uk Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The report asks Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider six small grant applications, one with an additional capital element. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background / Main Issues 4. Proposals - Small Grants 5. Conclusion 6. Impact and Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Consider the grant applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. 3. Background / Main Issues 3.1 Perth and Kinross Council owns land and property which forms part of the Common Good of the former burghs in Perth and Kinross and has a statutory duty in terms of section 15 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 5 Page 11 of 40
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to administer this land and property "having regard to the interests of the inhabitants" of those former burghs. This duty also applies to the administration of the associated Common Good Funds. 3.2 The Common Good Funds have traditionally demonstrated their support to local residents and organisations by distributing grants. These grant awards allow individuals and local organisations to carry out a wide range of community-based activities. 3.3 Applications to Common Good Funds vary across the different former burghs of Perth and Kinross. The Perth Common Good Fund is larger and receives a much higher number of applications than the other Funds. Therefore, additional criteria are applied to assist with assessing applications (See Appendix 1). 3.4 The 2026/27 Budget for the Perth Common Good Fund was approved at the Committee meeting on 2 February 2026 (Report 26/30 refers). A summary of the approved Financial Assistance budget, committed grant funding, and the budget remaining, is provided below: 2026/27 Financial Assistance Budget St John’s Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £2,000 £20,000 £17,500 £17,500 £80,000 £60,000 Value of grants paid and committed St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 Remaining Financial Assistance Budget St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £2,000 £20,000 £17,500 £17,500 £80,000 £60,000 Value of funding requested and under consideration St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table City of Perth Salute Perth Mela Festival Small Grants Capital Grants £0 £0 £17,500 £17,500 £9,092 £367 Page 12 of 40
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4. Proposals - Small Grants (With capital element in relation to 5.7) Perth High School Parent Council 4.1 Perth High School Parent Council are seeking £2,000 towards the outdoor education costs for 8 young people to attend the Starfish Way programme. 4.2 The Starfish Way is a transformative outdoor learning and personal development programme. Delivered by the Perth & Kinross Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Association, this initiative supports young people aged 8– 25 facing significant barriers such as poverty, mental health challenges, additional support needs, and lack of opportunity. Funding will ensure inclusive access to therapeutic, skill-building experiences that foster confidence, resilience, and achievement. The need for this has come through the Staged Level of Intervention framework and will help to support young people to access learning at Level 3 intervention which involves external partnerships and direct interventions out of school in order to meet the identified needs. The ‘Explorer’ Starfish Way is a 25-week programme for young people and includes a branded hoodie, DofE registration and assessor fees, expedition equipment hire, a one-off horse therapy session with Minds and Manes and a DofE Bronze expedition. Some of the activities included in the programme are bushcraft, archery, canoeing, green woodworking, and forest bathing. 4.3 Full costs for 8 young people will be £6,390. The school have been asked to raise £2,000 of this, the rest has been supported by the Starfish Way. Individuals attending come from disadvantaged backgrounds and therefore grant funding is being sought rather than asking individuals for contributions. Funding will contribute towards transport costs, activity materials and equipment, staff and volunteer training, meals and refreshments during sessions, award registration fees and accessibility adaptations. 8 young people from the common good area will benefit. 4.4 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Starfish Way Programme Costs Quote from Starfish Way £6,390 Total proposed expenditure £6,390 Starfish Way £4,390 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £2,000 4.5 Perth High School Parent Council have not received funding from Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three years. Consideration 4.6 In line with Criteria 9.8 committee are asked to consider the application and agree any level of funding to be awarded. Page 13 of 40
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Perth Academy Parent Council 4.7 Perth Academy Parent Council are seeking £1,000 revenue funding towards the World Challenge trip to Mozambique and Estwatini and £367 capital funding for trip equipment. 4.8 A group of young people from S5 and S6 at Perth Academy will travel to Mozambique and Estwatini from 10 June to 9 July 2026. When there, the group will work with the communities to promote sustainable farming, environmental projects, and carry out tasks that will benefit the community. They will specifically be working on a marine conservation project as well as beach cleaning and plastics collections. The projects will be led, organized and run by the young people themselves. 14 young people and 1 teacher from the Common Good Area will be participating. 4.9 The young people have been engaged in fundraising for the trip over a two- year period. They have worked in small groups to carry out fundraising events, and the school has supported with whole group events. These have included raffles, bag packing, quizzes, charity shops, race nights, bake sales, bingo teas, and fairs. The school have worked hard to make the opportunity open to students from all backgrounds. Parents have made contributions and some pupils have also contributed through their own jobs. SSE have contributed match funding and SSE employees have been involved in some of the fundraising events. In addition to trip costs, equipment costs will include items such as water bottles with filters, mosquito nets, and sprays. Funding will also support with the purchase of a go-pro camera so the pupils can document and share their experience via a video diary. 4.10 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Revenue Costs Coach hire to and from airport Quote £250 Vaccinations Quote £580 Cost of Trip £5695 x 14 £79,730 Capital Costs Go-pro camera Quote £500 Equipment – water bottles with filters, mosquito nets and sprays Bottle £35 x 15 Nets £25 x 15 Sprays £9.75 x 7 £968.25 T-shirts and hoodies for group Invoice £768 Total proposed expenditure £82,796.25 SSE Funding £1,500 Individual contributions TBC Fundraising events TBC Ineligible capital costs (t-shirt and hoodies purchased prior to CGF application) £768 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £1,000 Page 14 of 40
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4.11 Perth Academy Parent Council have not received funding from Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three years. Consideration 4.12 A revenue grant of up to £1,000 is considered consistent with criteria 9.7. 4.13 A capital award of up to £367 would be considered consistent with criteria 10.3 City of Perth Salute 4.14 The Perth and Kinross Council Events Team are seeking £17,500 towards the 2026 City of Perth Salute. 4.15 Inspired in 2017 by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo outreach performance, a decision was made for Perth to create its own event. The City of Perth Salute is set to return for its 7th year to Perth City in June 2026. The parade of international pipe and military bands is joined by local bands from across Perthshire, in this free family event. The event consists of a parade which will commence from the South Inch to the North Inch, along Tay Street. The event culminates in an arena performance on the North Inch. The parade features international marching bands as well as guest bands from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Steel bands, jazz bands, Mariachi bands, accordion band and Samba aim to bring a carnival feel to the parade. Local bands will also take part including Perthshire Brass, the Black Watch ACF Band, and Perth and District Pipe Band. There will also be representation from the Sea Cadets, Army and Air Cadets as well as Boys Brigade, Scouts, and Girl Guides along with the junior elements of these youth organisations. Outside of the arena there is a fringe event which consists of vintage militaria and vehicles. 4.16 It is expected that 1,750 people from the Common Good Area will attend the event, with a further 3,200 attending from elsewhere in Perth and Kinross and 800 from further afield. 4.17 A breakdown of project costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Hire of Grandstands Based on 2025 costs £17,500 Arena Stewarding Based on 2025 costs £6,250 Hire of PA system Based on 2025 costs £5,000 Tracking and Road Closures Based on 2025 costs £8,500 Visitor Signage Based on 2025 costs £1,000 Arena Acts and Bands Based on 2025 costs £15,750 Additional Military Fringe Area Based on 2025 costs £6,300 Parade Entertainers Based on 2025 costs £8,600 Page 15 of 40
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Questionaries and economic analysis Based on 2025 costs £1,500 Total proposed expenditure £70,400 PKC Events Budget £52,900 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £17,500 4.18 The City of Perth Salute has received the following funding over the previous three years: Year Award Event 2025/26 £17,500 Perth Salute 2025 2024/25 £17,500 Perth Salute 2026 Consideration 4.19 An award of up to £17,500 is in line with the current annual allowance for the City of Perth Salute. Zielone Płomyki Cub Scout Unit 4.20 Zielone Płomyki Cub Scout Unit are seeking £1,000 towards their 2026 Summer Camp ‘In the Land of Imagination’. 4.21 Zielone Płomyki is a Cub Scout unit based in Perth and part of the Polish Scouting Association (ZHP). They provide regular weekly activities and outdoor experiences for children aged 7–11, focusing on teamwork, creativity, responsibility and personal development through the scouting method. Activities include weekly meetings, community events, outdoor education and residential camps. The programme helps children build confidence, develop practical skills and form friendships in a safe and supportive environment. The group is entirely volunteer-led and supported by parents and members of the local community. 4.22 The summer camp will take place from 6 – 12 July 2026 at Jock Neish Scouting Centre. 28 children aged 7–11 from the Common Good Area will attend and will be supported by 5 adult volunteers and 5 young leaders aged 15-18. During the camp the children will take part in a structured programme built around earning the Cub Scout group badge “In the Land of Imagination”. Activities will focus on creativity, teamwork, outdoor learning and confidence building. The programme will include crafts, problem-solving challenges, storytelling activities and cooperative games. The children will also take part in a supervised swimming session and an educational visit to Camera Obscura in Edinburgh, where they will explore visual illusions and interactive exhibits linked to the theme of imagination. Residential camps are a core part of the scouting method. They provide children with an opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn practical skills, develop independence and build friendships through shared experiences. For many children this is also one of Page 16 of 40
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the few opportunities during the summer holidays to take part in a structured group activity away from home. Families are involved through fundraising activities such as community coffee mornings and seasonal events organised by the parent support group. Families will make contributions towards the cost of the camp, but funding supports to keep costs lower and make sure children are not excluded due to financial circumstances. 4.23 A breakdown of costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Accommodation Quote £2,041 Food Estimate £2,450 Swimming Quote £121 Camera Obscura Quote £611 Materials Estimate £200 Transport Quote £650 Total proposed expenditure £6,073 Robertson Trust Wee Grants (pending) £2,652 Contributions from families £2,421 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £1,000 4.24 Zielone Płomyki Cub Scout Unit have received the following funding in the previous three financial years: Year Award Project 2025/26 £900 Summer Camp 2025 2024/25 £1,000 Marine Adventure Camp 2023/24 £1,000 Summer Camp 2023 2023/24 £668 Discovering Scotland Project Consideration 4.25 A grant of up to £1,000 is considered consistent with criteria 9.7 JGN Dance Attic 4.26 JGN Dance Attic are seeking £5,092 towards their 2026 Dance Show. 4.27 JGN Dance Attic is a community dance school in Perth run by Jackie Nicoll as sole trader. The school provides dance education and creative opportunities for children and young people. They aim to nurture confidence, creativity, and wellbeing though accessible dance training in a supportive and inclusive environment. As well as having teams who compete nationally and internationally, the studio holds a large-scale community dance production every two years allowing dancers the opportunity to gain valuable Page 17 of 40
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performance experience, develop discipline and teamwork, and achieve recognition for their dedication and talent. 4.28 The 2026 dance show will take place on 20 June at Perth Concert Hall. Grant funding will support with costs of hiring the concert hall. The event will be supported by volunteers on the day. 100 young people from the Common Good area aged between 3 and 18 will take part, with a further 60 young people from the surrounding area also participating. They hope to sell 750 tickets and based on previous shows expect 50% of these people to be from the Common Good area. Funding is being sought to help with rising costs of running the show. This will help keep ticket costs and costs for dancers lower, to maintain accessibility for local families. The event will not be profit making, money raised from ticket sales will go towards show costs. The group have carried out some fundraising throughout the year and will continue with fundraising events to support the show. 4.29 A breakdown of costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Venue Hire at Perth Concert Hall Quote/Contract £10,560 Costumes and props Estimate £8,000 PRS Performance Licence Estimate £300 Marketing and social media Estimate £600 Photography and video documentation Estimate £1,500 Project coordination and admin Estimate £500 Choreography Lead & Creative Director 3 x Choreographers £3,200 Music editing and sound design Estimate £300 Contingency Estimate £500 Total proposed expenditure £25,460 Ticket Sales (750 x £20 minus commission and levy) £10,250 Fundraising so far £2,350 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £5,092 4.30 JGN Dance Attic have not received Common Good Funding in the previous three financial years. Consideration 4.31 A grant of up to £5,092 is considered consistent with criteria 9.2b Perth and Kinross Mela Festival Association 4.32 The Perth and Kinross Mela Association are seeking their annual allocated budget of £17,500 towards the annual Mela Celebrations. Page 18 of 40
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4.33 The summer Mela Festival, which is scheduled to be held this year on 22 August, is a celebration of world music, dance, and culture which features a colourful parade and day of celebrations at the North Inch. The event offers various types of music, dance, food, and crafts to bring all communities together. The aim is to create closer ties within Perth and visibly celebrate culture, inclusion, and diversity by inviting the local community to participate in culturally inclusive activities and events, promoting cultural harmony. The event also increases footfall to the city, supporting local businesses. The event is free to the public to attend and in previous years has attracted 10,000 visitors from across Perth and Kinross as well as further afield. It is estimated that 7000 people form the Common Good Area will benefit from the event. Funding will support with essential costs such as stage, sound, performances, and event infrastructure to ensure the event is safe, inclusive, and accessible to all. 4.34 A breakdown of costs is detailed below: Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Staging/Lighting/Sound Estimate based on previous years £8,000 Acts Estimate based on previous years £5,000 Marquees/Stalls/Tables/Chairs/Waste Facilities/Toilets Estimate based on previous years £7,000 Security/Event Control/First Aid Estimate based on previous years £3,000 Total proposed expenditure £23,000 PKC Equalities (secured) £1,000 The National Lottery (pending) £8,000 Sponsorships/Donations (pending) £2,000 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £17,500 4.35 Whilst awarding the full £17,500 would put the festival in surplus, the Association would like to apply their full allocation and will only claim for any shortfall not covered by other funding. 4.36 Prior to forming the Mela Association funding was applied for by the partner organisations. The festival has received the following over the previous three financial years: Year Award Organisation 2023/24 £20,000 Perth Minorities Association 2024/25 £15,800 Perth and Kinross Mela Association 2025/26 £17,500 Perth and Kinross Mela Association Page 19 of 40
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Consideration 4.37 A grant of up to £17,500 is in line with their annual budget allocation. 5. Conclusion 5.1 The Committee is asked to consider the applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. 6. Impact and Value Assessment 6.1 Perth_Common_Good_Fund_Applications_for_Financial_Support.pdf 7. Appendices 7.1 Perth Common Good Fund Criteria Page 20 of 40
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Appendix 1 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND REVISED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CRITERIA 1. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee. 2. Within the boundary of the Perth Common Good area and if funding is available, applications will be considered from individuals and groups for projects or activities which demonstrate benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 3. The Perth Common Good area is restricted to Elected Member Ward 10 Perth City South, Ward 11 Perth City North, and Ward 12 Perth City Centre. Applications for financial assistance from individuals residing or groups operating outwith the boundary of the Perth Common Good area must clearly demonstrate that the project or activity to be undertaken will provide benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 4. Applications for financial assistance from schools and school groups (e.g. Parent Councils) within the Perth Common Good area will be considered regardless of where participating pupils reside. 5. The Financial Year for the Perth Common Good Fund covers the period 1 April to 31 March. The Perth Common Good Fund Committee meets five times per year to consider applications for financial assistance and other business matters; Committee meeting and application deadline dates are 5 Page 21 of 40
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available on the Council’s Community Grants webpage via the following link: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/pkgrantsdirect. 6. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted to the Perth Common Good Fund Committee in advance of the project or activity taking place. Retrospective applications where expenditure is incurred during the time between the application submission deadline date and the date of the Committee meeting will be considered however the applicant must be aware that funding may not be approved by Committee. 7. A separate Capital Grants fund will be maintained to support applications for financial assistance towards the funding of building improvement works, and the acquisition of equipment. Applications for Capital Grant funding assistance should be submitted to the first Perth Common Good Fund Committee meeting of the new financial year, which normally takes place during April or May. The Capital Grants fund will normally close until commencement of the next financial year, however the Committee may consider late applications if Capital Grant funding remains available. 8. The following conditions shall apply to all applications for financial assistance: 8.1 The application for financial assistance must demonstrate that the funding will provide benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. The Perth Common Good Fund Committee must be satisfied that all disbursements from the fund meet this requirement and the Committee decision in this regard is full and final. 8.2 The Perth Common Good Fund should not be viewed as a resource to supplement the funding of Council services; applications for financial assistance from Council services are therefore not encouraged. Any application submitted by a Council service will be considered by the Perth Common Good Fund Committee on its own merits. 8.3 Applicants who are seeking funds to purchase resources, or undertake capital projects are asked to demonstrate that they are sourcing these from local providers where these can reasonably meet their needs. 8.4 All awards of £400 or less will be paid in advance, but recipients must complete an end of grant monitoring form and provide evidence of spend based on their initial application Awards greater than £400 must be claimed on completion of the project and within three months of the activity taking place. The claim should include an end of grant monitoring form and evidence of spend, based on the initial application. Funding for awards not claimed will be returned to the Fund. 9. Small Grants: 9.1 Applications for financial assistance will be considered by the Perth Common Good Fund Committee in line with the criteria below: - Page 22 of 40
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9.2 Organisation of events/games/festivals including prize awards: - a) No entry fee payable by the public: up to maximum of 40% of the total actual costs. b) Entry fee payable by the public (commercial event): up to a maximum of 20% of the total actual costs subject to the submission of an evidenced Income & Expenditure account for the event. c) In the event, that the Common Good funding of a commercial event results in a profit, the level of funding award will be reduced accordingly. d) In the event, that the commercial event is loss making, the Common Good funding may be used to underwrite the loss, subject to the level of funding approved by Committee. e) Grants will not be paid for any event/games/festival which are cancelled following the approval of funding by Committee. 9.3 Hire of hall and provision of prizes for school prize giving ceremonies – up to a maximum of 40% of total costs. 9.4 Voluntary work overseas by individuals: - 6 months or more: up to £400 per individual Up to 6 months: up to £250 per individual 9.5 Attendance at summer schools/events by individuals or groups of up to 5: More than 2 weeks: up to £150 per individual One to two weeks: up to £100 per individual 9.6 Excursions/Parties (up to two applications per year per group): - Contribution of up to 50% towards the actual costs. Each organisation is permitted a maximum of two applications during the course of a financial year. Overall grant to be capped at £10 per individual with an overall maximum grant of up to £1,000. 9.7 Visits or trips by and from School/Youth/Sport/Music groups: - For groups of between 6 and 10 people, a flat contribution of £500. For groups of 11 or more; a contribution of £50 per person to a maximum of £1,000 for youth groups, senior citizen or vulnerable groups for activities of one week or more. 9.8 Any other purpose where it can be demonstrated that there is a benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 10. Capital Grants: - 10.1 The funding of applications for Capital Grant funding will be restricted to the available annual budget. Page 23 of 40
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10.2 It is expected that the total funding available will be fully committed at the first meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee at the start of the new financial year. In the event, that funding is not fully committed, the Common Good Fund Committee may choose to either roll forward the unallocated funding to the next financial year or consider further applications during the year. 10.3 Acquisition of equipment and uniforms - consideration on merits up to a maximum of 25% of total cost, subject to the budget available. 10.4 Provision and improvement of buildings - consideration on merits up to a maximum of 25% of total cost and up to £50,000, subject to the budget available. Note that the facilities must be available to the general public. 11. Expenditure which is not eligible for funding awards: 11.1 Assistance with further or higher education fees 11.2 Charity fundraising e.g. sponsored walk/cycle/bungee etc. 11.3 Town twinning activities 11.4 Organisations with religious or political associations where there are restrictions on usage or availability 11.5 Core funding of the voluntary sector 11.6 Assistance with day to day running costs e.g. the rental of premises, employee costs etc. Page 24 of 40
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee: Perth Common Good Fund Committee Date of Meeting: 4 May 2026 Report Title: 2025/26 and 2026/27 Financial Statements Report Number: 26/120 Report Author: Alison O’Brien, Corporate Accounting Manager Organisational Lead: Scott Walker, Chief Finance Officer ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide details of actual income and expenditure to 31 March 2026, and the projected outturns for 2025/26 and 2026/27. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation 3. Background/Context 4. Main Issues 5. Conclusion 6. Impact Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Note the actual and projected income and expenditure to 31 March 2026 for the Perth Common Good Fund for 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1. 2.2 Note the proposed adjustment to the 2026/27 Budget as set out in Appendix 2. 2.3 Note the projected outturn for 2026/27, as set out in Appendix 2. 6 Page 25 of 40
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3. Background/Context 3.1 The budget for 2025/26 was approved by the Committee on 3 February 2025 (Report 25/21 refers). Monitoring updates have been provided to the Committee throughout 2025/26 (Reports 25/107, 25/199, 25/270, and 26/30 refer). 3.2 The budget for 2026/27, which was approved by the Committee on 2 February 2026 (Report 26/30 refers), is based on activity in 2025/26 and adjusted for anticipated costs and availability of resources in the new financial year. 3.3 This report provides the monitoring position and projected outturn for 2025/26, as detailed in Appendix 1, and the projected outturn for 2026/27, as detailed in Appendix 2. 4. Main Issues Financial Statement 2025/26 4.1 As detailed in Appendix 1, the projected deficit for the Fund for 2025/26 is £12,137 and the anticipated Fund balance at 31 March 2026 is £2,153,978. 4.2 The year-end outturn for the Fund has been updated from the previously reported position, as noted in Section 4.3 of this report. It is anticipated that there will be further adjustments during the closure of the accounts for 2025/26, and the unaudited income and expenditure for the Fund will be reported to a future meeting of the Committee. 4.3 Following the update to Committee on 2 February 2026 (Report 26/30 refers), the deficit for the year has reduced by £23,729. This is largely due to the underspend on Repairs and Maintenance. Financial Statement 2026/27 4.4 Appendix 2 provides the 2026/27 Financial Statement which includes the Budget approved by Committee on 2 February 2026 (Report 26/30 refers). 4.5 At the meeting of 2 February 2026, the Committee also approved removing the Cost of Living budget in 2026/27 and increasing the Small Grants budget to £80,000 and the Capital Grants budget to £60,000. 4.6 The Committee also approved the carry forward to 2026/27 of any underspend of the Repairs and Maintenance – Moncrieffe Island budget for any delayed works, however all costs have now been included in 2025/26 and the carry forward is no longer required. 4.7 Appendix 2 includes a proposed adjustment to the repairs and maintenance general budget for 2026/27 of £10,000 which was not utilised in 2025/26. The Perth Common Good fund has one-off expenditure to be incurred in respect of Page 26 of 40
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Christmas Lights maintenance. The projected costs are £17,611 and has been included in the projected outturn and will be met from the revised £15,000 budget. There will be an overspend of £2,611 in respect of this. 4.8 The projected surplus for 2026/27 is, therefore, £2,789 and the projected Fund balance at 31 March 2027 is £2,156,767. 5 Conclusion 5.1 As detailed in Appendix 1, the projected deficit for the Fund for 2025/26 is £12,137 and the anticipated Fund balance at 31 March 2026 is £2,153,978. 5.2 As detailed in Appendix 2, the projected surplus for the Fund for 2026/27 is £2,789 and the anticipated Fund balance at 31 March 2027 is £2,156,767. 6. Impact and Value Assessment 6.1 This is an operational report, and as such, an impact and value assessment is not required. 7. Appendix 7.1 Appendix 1 – Perth Common Good Fund – Financial Statement for the period to 31 March 2026 for 2025/26. 7.2 Appendix 2 – Perth Common Good Fund - Financial Statement for 2026/27. Page 27 of 40
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Appendix 1 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2025/26 TO 31 MARCH 2026 Approved 2025/26 Budget Proposed Virement Updated 2025/26 Budget Actual & Committed to date Under Consideration Projected Outturn Projection Over/(Under) Spend £ £ £ £ £ Expenditure Property Costs Rent & Rates 1,350 1,350 17,805 17,805 16,455 Repairs and Maintenance - General 10,000 10,000 0 - (10,000) Repairs and Maintenance - Moncreiffe Island 37,513 37,513 30,494 30,494 (7,019) Depreciation & Impairment - 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 - 48,863 10,000 58,863 58,298 - 58,298 (565) Supplies and Services Financial Assistance - St Johns Kirk Carillon 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 - Financial Assistance - Perth & Strathearn Round Table 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 - Financial Assistance - Perth & Kinross Mela 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 - Financial Assistance - City of Perth Salute 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 - Financial Assistance - Small Grants 75,000 75,000 70,261 70,261 (4,739) Financial Assistance - Cost of Living 30,000 30,000 28,854 28,854 (1,146) Financial Assistance - Capital Grants 50,000 50,000 50,743 50,743 743 Administration Charges 15,000 15,000 15,231 15,231 231 Printing, Stationery, Advertising and Postages 500 500 0 0 (500) 227,500 - 227,500 222,089 - 222,089 (5,411) Christmas Events Rent, Rates & other property costs (storage for Christmas lights) 16,000 (11,000) 5,000 15,380 15,380 10,380 Erect, Dismantle and Maintain Christmas Lights 20,000 20,000 14,261 14,261 (5,739) Switch on Ceremony 50,000 50,000 45,000 45,000 (5,000) 86,000 (11,000) 75,000 74,641 - 74,641 (359) Interest on Financing & Investment 1,000 1,000 1,000 - Total Expenditure 362,363 - 362,363 355,028 - 356,028 (6,335) Income Rents, Fees & Charges 260,000 260,000 233,951 263,000 3,000 Interest on Investments 76,000 76,000 79,409 79,409 3,409 Fishing Permits 900 900 1,483 1,483 583 Total Income 336,900 - 336,900 314,843 - 343,892 6,992 Surplus / (Deficit) (25,463) - (25,463) (40,185) - (12,137) 13,326 Estimated Opening Balance 01/04/25 2,166,115 2,166,115 Surplus / (Deficit) (25,463) (12,137) Projected Common Good Fund Balance at 31 March 2026 2,140,652 2,153,978 Earmarked in Reserves:- Minimum Revenue Account Balance (1,700,000) (1,700,000) Repair and Renewal Reserve (120,000) (120,000) Projected Uncommitted Closing Balance at 31 March 2026 320,652 333,978 6 Page 29 of 40
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Appendix 1 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2025/26 TO 31 MARCH 2026 Grants Actual Small Grants Cost of Living Capital Grants Meeting Cost of Living - Open Circle Perth Baptist Church £2,500.00 05/05/2025 Cost of Living - Perth College £2,500.00 05/05/2025 Methven Karate Club - Kyokushin Celtic Warriors Taiko Drummers £800.00 05/05/2025 25008 - Perth & Kinross Mela Association £17,500.00 05/05/2025 Perth & Kinross VE-80 Celebrations May 25 £8,806.00 05/05/2025 25002 - Polish Scouting Association (a) - Cub Summer Camp June 25 £900.00 05/05/2025 25001 - South Perth Allotments £3,000.00 05/05/2025 25014 - St Ninian's Cathedral £7,692.00 05/05/2025 Perth Autism Support £1,000.00 05/05/2025 Polish Scouting Association (b) - Scout Summer Camp July 25 £1,000.00 05/05/2025 25009 - 42901 Royal Voluntary Service £2,568.11 05/05/2025 25026 - Our Lady's PS Parent council £1,633.95 18/08/2025 25029 - Parents & Friends of Riverside PS £2,200.00 18/08/2025 25024 - Ad-Lib Arts £2,250.00 18/08/2025 25022 - Perth Minorities Association £9,800.00 18/08/2025 25027 - 5th Perth Girl Guides £952.00 18/08/2025 25033 - Perth Round Table £9,000.00 18/08/2025 27th Perth Guides £1,000.00 27/10/2025 Perth Shopmobility £3,799.90 27/10/2025 Moncreiffe Primary School Parent Council £1,250.00 27/10/2025 £41,774.11 £22,133.95 £16,243.90 Committed Small Grants Capital Grants Meeting City of Perth Salute £17,500.00 05/05/2025 Royal Voluntary Service £1,181.89 05/05/2025 St Ninian's Cathedral £7,308.00 05/05/2025 Friends of William Soutar Society £3,400.00 18/08/2025 Support Help and Integration Perthshire (SHIP) £1,000.00 18/08/2025 Adventure Circus £6,586.00 18/08/2025 Aberdalgie and Forteviot Church £4,687.00 18/08/2025 25033 - Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table £11,000.00 18/08/2025 Bertha Park Football Club £952.94 18/08/2025 Early Years Scotland £2,192.00 18/08/2025 Victim Support Scotland £5,100.00 27/10/2025 Perth Indian Association £2,000.00 27/10/2025 Wednesday Tea Dance Club £525.00 27/10/2025 The Walled Garden (Creative Wellbeing) - PKAVS £900.00 27/10/2025 North Muirton Community Group £2,000.00 27/10/2025 Perth Chinese Association £4,655.00 27/10/2025 Beautiful Perth £5,900.00 27/10/2025 Hearts and Minds £2,020.00 02/02/2026 Perth Floral Art Club £425.00 02/02/2026 Holiday@Home - Perth Baptist Church £2,500.00 02/02/2026 Perth Festival of the Arts £2,907.00 02/02/2026 64th DH Knieja Girl Guides Perth Unit (Polish Scouting Association) £1,000.00 02/02/2026 44th DH Boy Scouts (Polish Scouting Association) £1,000.00 02/02/2026 St John's Kirk £2,000.00 02/02/2026 Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association £8,100.00 02/02/2026 Perth Operatic Society £5,000.00 02/02/2026 Perth Hope Hub £1,720.00 02/02/2026 Perth College UHI £5,000.00 02/02/2026 Children and Disability (CAD) Social Work Team £3,775.88 02/02/2026 Mindspace & PKAVS £11,735.00 02/02/2026 Julie Young Dance School (Community Dance Group) £2,635.50 02/02/2026 £85,486.89 £6,720.00 £34,499.32 Under Consideration Small Grants Cost of Living Capital Grants Meeting £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Page 30 of 40
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Appendix 2 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2026/27 Approved 2026/27 Budget Proposed Adjustment Updated 2026/27 Budget Actual & Committed to date Under Consideration Projected Outturn Projection Over/(Under) Spend £ £ £ £ £ Expenditure Property Costs Rent & Rates 18,000 18,000 18,000 - Repairs and Maintenance - General 5,000 10,000 15,000 17,611 2,611 Depreciation & Impairment 10,000 - 10,000 10,000 - 33,000 10,000 43,000 - - 45,611 2,611 Supplies and Services Financial Assistance - St Johns Kirk Carillon 2,000 2,000 2,000 - Financial Assistance - Perth & Strathearn Round Table 20,000 20,000 20,000 - Financial Assistance - Perth & Kinross Mela 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 - Financial Assistance - City of Perth Salute 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 - Financial Assistance - Small Grants 80,000 80,000 9,092 80,000 - Financial Assistance - Capital Grants 60,000 60,000 367 60,000 - Administration Charges 15,000 15,000 15,000 - Printing, Stationery, Advertising and Postages 500 500 500 - 212,500 - 212,500 - 44,459 212,500 - Christmas Events Rent, Rates & other property costs (storage for Christmas lights) 5,000 - 5,000 5,000 - Erect, Dismantle and Maintain Christmas Lights 20,000 20,000 20,000 - Switch on Ceremony 50,000 50,000 50,000 - 75,000 - 75,000 - - 75,000 - Interest on Financing & Investment 1,000 - 1,000 1,000 - Total Expenditure 321,500 10,000 331,500 - 44,459 334,111 2,611 Income Rents, Fees & Charges 270,000 270,000 270,000 - Interest on Investments 66,000 66,000 66,000 - Fishing Permits 900 900 900 - Total Income 336,900 - 336,900 - - 336,900 - Surplus / (Deficit) 15,400 (10,000) 5,400 - (44,459) 2,789 (2,611) Estimated Opening Balance 01/04/26 2,153,978 2,153,978 Surplus / (Deficit) 15,400 2,789 Projected Common Good Fund Balance at 31 March 2027 2,169,378 2,156,767 Earmarked in Reserves:- Minimum Revenue Account Balance (1,700,000) (1,700,000) Repair and Renewal Reserve (120,000) (120,000) Projected Uncommitted Closing Balance at 31 March 2027 349,378 336,767 6 Page 31 of 40
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Appendix 2 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 2026/27 Grants Actual Small Grants Cost of Living Capital Grants Meeting £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Committed Small Grants Capital Grants Meeting £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 Under Consideration Small Grants Cost of Living Capital Grants Meeting Perth and Kinross Mela Festival Association £17,500.00 04/05/2026 City of Perth Salute £17,500.00 04/05/2026 Perth High School Parent Council £2,000.00 04/05/2026 Perth Academy Parent Council £1,000.00 £367.00 04/05/2026 Zielone Płomyki Cub Scout Unit £1,000.00 04/05/2026 JGN Dance Attic £5,092.00 04/05/2026 £44,092.00 £0.00 £367.00 £44,459.00 Total £44,092.00 £0.00 £367.00 £44,459.00 Page 32 of 40
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequalities ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Perth Common Good Fund Committee Date of Meeting: 4 May 2026 Report Title: Perth Common Good Fund Criteria Amendment Report Number: 26/121 Report Author: Sarah Kimmet, Community Empowerment Officer communityempowerment@pkc.gov.uk Organisational Lead: Elaine Ritchie, Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The report asks Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider amending Perth Common Good Fund Criteria 11.3 which states that Town Twinning Activities are exempt from Common Good funding. New wording would state funding for “Town Twinning Activities within Perth City which are more properly attributed to the Civic Fund” will not be funded. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendations 3. Background / Main Issues 4. Review Of Criteria 5. Review of Other Common Good Funds 6. Conclusion 7. Impact and Value Assessment 8. Appendices 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Review the information and agree that Perth Common Good Fund Criteria 11.3 be amended. 7 Page 33 of 40
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3. Background / Main Issues 3.1 Perth and Kinross Council owns land and property which forms part of the Common Good of the former burghs in Perth and Kinross and has a statutory duty in terms of section 15(4) of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 to administer this land and property having “regard to the interests of the inhabitants" of those former burghs. This duty also applies to the administration of the associated Common Good Funds. 3.2 The Common Good Funds have traditionally demonstrated their support to local residents and organisations by distributing grants. These grant awards allow individuals and local organisations to carry out a wide range of community-based activities. 3.3 Applications to Common Good Funds vary across the different former burghs of Perth and Kinross. The Perth Common Good Fund is larger and receives a much higher number of applications than the other Funds. Therefore, additional criteria are applied to assist with assessing applications. 3.4 Criteria 11 outlines costs that are ineligible for funding, with Criterion 11.3 specifying “Town Twinning Activities.” This has recently been queried, as it prevents groups travelling to Perth’s official twin towns from applying for support, while groups travelling to other destinations remain eligible. Amending the criteria to permit funding for visits to twinned towns would address this inconsistency and enable the Perth Common Good Fund to promote the dignity and good standing of Perth within its twinning partnerships. 4. Review Of Criteria 4.1 The earliest reference to the Perth Common Good Fund Criteria available on CMIS is dated 18 May 2016. Earlier online records contain only committee minutes, with no indication of the criteria being created or amended, suggesting that a form of criteria existed prior to this date. 4.2 The criteria in use in May 2016 state that Town Twinning activities are ineligible, “other than those qualifying through the age/occupation criteria.” This appears to relate to the following provision: “Within the boundary of the Perth Common Good area and if funding is available, applications will be considered from individuals either in fulltime education or of senior citizen status, and from groups whose members qualify on the same basis or which are operating within the same boundary” (Report 16/204). 4.3 On 19 December 2018, the Committee considered and approved Report 18/407, which proposed updated criteria to take effect from April 2019. The report noted that the revised criteria would provide the Committee with greater flexibility. During these revisions Criteria 11.3 was amended to exclude “Town Twinning Activities”. No further rationale for the changes was provided. Available recordings of previous committees do not include substantive Page 34 of 40
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discussion of the amendments. The criteria agreed at this meeting are the criteria still used today and are available as Appendix 1. 4.4 By amending and approving the proposed new wording of the Town Twinning criteria, the Perth Common Good Fund committee would again be provided more flexibility in their decision making. 5. Review of Other Common Good Funds 5.1 Perth and Kinross Council administer nine Common Good Funds. Of these, only the Perth Common Good Fund publishes specific criteria. The remaining funds state only that the Common Good Funds provide funding for any activity which is beneficial to the interests of the inhabitants of the former burgh served by the relevant Committee. Applications are considered on a case-by- case basis by Committee members, in line with the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, which sets out the statutory framework for Common Good governance. 5.2 Across Scotland’s 32 local authorities, officers identified 15 that clearly publish information about their Common Good Funds online. Of these, three make explicit reference to Town Twinning. Aberdeenshire Council notes that applications “may be acceptable for contributions towards the establishment of new Town Twinning schemes,” including initial travel costs. Argyll and Bute Council lists Town Twinning as an activity not normally funded but emphasises that “each application must be considered on its own merits.” Orkney Islands Council previously allocated a specific Common Good budget for Twinning and Friendship activities in 2023, though it is unclear whether this continues as a separate budget line. 5.3 Three authorities that did not refer directly to Town Twinning stated that they do not fund travel or trips, with two of these also noting that activities taking place outwith the Common Good area are not eligible. 5.4 The Perth Common Good Fund does support activities and travel outside the Common Good area where there is a clear benefit to Perth residents. This recognises the value of enabling residents to experience opportunities beyond the city and the positive impact such experiences can have on the wider community upon their return. In this context, supporting travel to twinned locations would maintain consistency with the existing approach to funding trips more generally. 6. Conclusion 6.1 It is recommended that amending the wording of criteria 11.3 would make all criteria coherent, treating all travel equally. 6.2 The Committee is asked to consider the information presented and agree the change of wording to the Perth Common Good Fund Criteria to state that “Town Twinning Activities within Perth City which are more properly attributed to the Civic Fund” will not be funded. Page 35 of 40
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7. Impact and Value Assessment 7.1 Perth_Common_Good_Fund_Criteria_Amendment.pdf 8. Appendices 8.1 Perth Common Good Fund Criteria Page 36 of 40
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Appendix 1 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND REVISED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CRITERIA 1. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee. 2. Within the boundary of the Perth Common Good area and if funding is available, applications will be considered from individuals and groups for projects or activities which demonstrate benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 3. The Perth Common Good area is restricted to Elected Member Ward 10 Perth City South, Ward 11 Perth City North, and Ward 12 Perth City Centre. Applications for financial assistance from individuals residing or groups operating outwith the boundary of the Perth Common Good area must clearly demonstrate that the project or activity to be undertaken will provide benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 4. Applications for financial assistance from schools and school groups (e.g. Parent Councils) within the Perth Common Good area will be considered regardless of where participating pupils reside. 5. The Financial Year for the Perth Common Good Fund covers the period 1 April to 31 March. The Perth Common Good Fund Committee meets five times per year to consider applications for financial assistance and other business matters; Committee meeting and application deadline dates are 7 Page 37 of 40
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available on the Council’s Community Grants webpage via the following link: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/pkgrantsdirect. 6. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted to the Perth Common Good Fund Committee in advance of the project or activity taking place. Retrospective applications where expenditure is incurred during the time between the application submission deadline date and the date of the Committee meeting will be considered however the applicant must be aware that funding may not be approved by Committee. 7. A separate Capital Grants fund will be maintained to support applications for financial assistance towards the funding of building improvement works, and the acquisition of equipment. Applications for Capital Grant funding assistance should be submitted to the first Perth Common Good Fund Committee meeting of the new financial year, which normally takes place during April or May. The Capital Grants fund will normally close until commencement of the next financial year, however the Committee may consider late applications if Capital Grant funding remains available. 8. The following conditions shall apply to all applications for financial assistance: 8.1 The application for financial assistance must demonstrate that the funding will provide benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. The Perth Common Good Fund Committee must be satisfied that all disbursements from the fund meet this requirement and the Committee decision in this regard is full and final. 8.2 The Perth Common Good Fund should not be viewed as a resource to supplement the funding of Council services; applications for financial assistance from Council services are therefore not encouraged. Any application submitted by a Council service will be considered by the Perth Common Good Fund Committee on its own merits. 8.3 Applicants who are seeking funds to purchase resources, or undertake capital projects are asked to demonstrate that they are sourcing these from local providers where these can reasonably meet their needs. 8.4 All awards of £400 or less will be paid in advance, but recipients must complete an end of grant monitoring form and provide evidence of spend based on their initial application Awards greater than £400 must be claimed on completion of the project and within three months of the activity taking place. The claim should include an end of grant monitoring form and evidence of spend, based on the initial application. Funding for awards not claimed will be returned to the Fund. 9. Small Grants: 9.1 Applications for financial assistance will be considered by the Perth Common Good Fund Committee in line with the criteria below: - Page 38 of 40
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9.2 Organisation of events/games/festivals including prize awards: - a) No entry fee payable by the public: up to maximum of 40% of the total actual costs. b) Entry fee payable by the public (commercial event): up to a maximum of 20% of the total actual costs subject to the submission of an evidenced Income & Expenditure account for the event. c) In the event, that the Common Good funding of a commercial event results in a profit, the level of funding award will be reduced accordingly. d) In the event, that the commercial event is loss making, the Common Good funding may be used to underwrite the loss, subject to the level of funding approved by Committee. e) Grants will not be paid for any event/games/festival which are cancelled following the approval of funding by Committee. 9.3 Hire of hall and provision of prizes for school prize giving ceremonies – up to a maximum of 40% of total costs. 9.4 Voluntary work overseas by individuals: - 6 months or more: up to £400 per individual Up to 6 months: up to £250 per individual 9.5 Attendance at summer schools/events by individuals or groups of up to 5: More than 2 weeks: up to £150 per individual One to two weeks: up to £100 per individual 9.6 Excursions/Parties (up to two applications per year per group): - Contribution of up to 50% towards the actual costs. Each organisation is permitted a maximum of two applications during the course of a financial year. Overall grant to be capped at £10 per individual with an overall maximum grant of up to £1,000. 9.7 Visits or trips by and from School/Youth/Sport/Music groups: - For groups of between 6 and 10 people, a flat contribution of £500. For groups of 11 or more; a contribution of £50 per person to a maximum of £1,000 for youth groups, senior citizen or vulnerable groups for activities of one week or more. 9.8 Any other purpose where it can be demonstrated that there is a benefit to the residents of the City of Perth. 10. Capital Grants: - 10.1 The funding of applications for Capital Grant funding will be restricted to the available annual budget. Page 39 of 40
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10.2 It is expected that the total funding available will be fully committed at the first meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee at the start of the new financial year. In the event, that funding is not fully committed, the Common Good Fund Committee may choose to either roll forward the unallocated funding to the next financial year or consider further applications during the year. 10.3 Acquisition of equipment and uniforms - consideration on merits up to a maximum of 25% of total cost, subject to the budget available. 10.4 Provision and improvement of buildings - consideration on merits up to a maximum of 25% of total cost and up to £50,000, subject to the budget available. Note that the facilities must be available to the general public. 11. Expenditure which is not eligible for funding awards: 11.1 Assistance with further or higher education fees 11.2 Charity fundraising e.g. sponsored walk/cycle/bungee etc. 11.3 Town twinning activities 11.4 Organisations with religious or political associations where there are restrictions on usage or availability 11.5 Core funding of the voluntary sector 11.6 Assistance with day to day running costs e.g. the rental of premises, employee costs etc. Page 40 of 40