Agenda Document Pack - Perth Common Good Fund Committee - 03/02/2025
Perth and Kinross Council · 3 February 2025
Back to Perth Common Good Fund Committee — 3 February 2025 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 inequalities Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 27/01/2025 A hybrid meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, 03 February 2025 at 13:30. 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 Grant Laing Councillor Iain MacPherson Councillor Carol Mair Councillor Ian Massie Councillor Sheila McCole Depute Provost Andrew Parrott Councillor John Rebbeck Page 1 of 38
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Perth Common Good Fund Committee Monday, 03 February 2025 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 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND OF 25 NOVEMBER 2024 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 10 4 MATTERS ARISING 5 APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Report by Strategic Lead - Housing and Communities (copy herewith 25/20) 11 - 26 6 2025/26 BUDGET & 2024/25 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Report by Strategic Lead - Finance and Business Support (copy herewith 25/21) 27 - 38 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 PROPOSED ASSIGNATIONS OF TWO GROUND LEASES OF COMMON GOOD LAND AT HARBOUR ROAD, PERTH: LANDLORD'S CONSENT • Exempt Reason 6 - Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority). • 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 3 of 38
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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 25 November 2024 at 1.00pm. Present: Depute Provost A Parrott; Bailie C Ahern; Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett, A Chan, S Donaldson, E Drysdale, I Macpherson, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole and J Rebbeck. In Attendance: S Kimmet (Housing and Communities), F Lambie, A O’Brien and D Coyne (all Finance and Business Support), A Taylor, S Dockerill and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Apologies: Councillor G Laing. Depute Provost A Parrott, Convener, Presiding. 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting and an apology for absence was noted as above. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct Councillor I Massie declared a non-financial interest in Item 5 Para 7.13 (Buttons and Bows Baby Bank). 3. MINUTE OF MEETING OF THE PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND OF 26 AUGUST 2024 FOR APPROVAL The minute of meeting of the Perth Common Good Fund of 26 August 2024, was submitted and approved as an accurate record. 4. MATTERS ARISING There were no matters arising. 5. APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE There was submitted a report by the Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (24/324) considering five small grants, two cost of living, and three capital grant applications. SMALL GRANTS (1) Wednesday Tea Dance Club Motion (Depute Provost A Parrott and Councillor S McCole) 3 Page 5 of 38
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Wednesday Tea Dance Club be awarded a grant of £530 towards their Christmas Party. Amendment (Bailie C Ahern and Councillor P Barrett) Wednesday Tea Dance Club be awarded a grant of £350 towards their Christmas Party. In terms of Standing Order 21.5 a roll call vote was taken. 5 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Councillors I MacPherson, C Mair, S McCole and. J Rebbeck 6 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Bailie C Ahern, Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett, A Chan, E Drysdale and I Massie 1 Member abstained as follows: Councillor S Donaldson Resolved: In accordance with the Amendment. (2) Servite Housing Tenant’s Group Resolved: Servite Housing Tennant’s Group be awarded a grant of £300 towards their Christmas Party. (3) St John’s Kirk Resolved: St John’s Kirk be awarded a grant of £2,000, being the yearly amount set aside to support the playing of the Carillon. (4) Inch View Primary School Resolved: Inch View Primary School be awarded a grant of £1,000 towards the cost of their P7 residential trip. (5) Bertha Park High School Parent Angle Resolved: Bertha Park High School Parent Angle be awarded a grant of £1,534 towards the Intensive Support Provision (ISP) Pupils with Swimming Lessons and Life Skills sessions. COST OF LIVING GRANTS Page 6 of 38
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(1) Giraffe Resolved: Giraffe cafe be awarded a grant of £4,500 towards their project delivering Christmas meals to people in need. (2) Inchview Primary School – Panto Trip Motion by Depute Provost Parrott and Bailie Ahern Inchview Primary School be awarded a grant of £2,825 towards the cost of a school trip to the Pantomime. 1st Amendment by Councillors P Barrett and L Barrett Inchview Primary School be awarded a grant of £2,000 towards the cost of a school trip to the Pantomime. 2nd Amendment by Councillors Drysdale and I MacPherson Inchview Primary School be awarded a grant of £4,235 to fully fund a school trip to the Pantomime. In terms of Standing Order 21.6 a roll call vote was taken 2 Members voted for 1st Amendment as follows: Councillors L Barrett and P Barrett 5 Members voted for 2nd Amendment as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Councillors E Drysdale, I MacPherson, C Mair and S McCole 5 Members abstained as follows: Bailie C Ahern, Councillors A Chan, S Donaldson, I Massie and J Rebbeck The 2nd Amendment was therefore carried and became the substantive Amendment which was then put against the Motion. In terms of Standing Order 21.5 a roll call was taken 6 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Bailie C Ahern, Councillors P Barrett, A Chan, I Massie and J Rebbeck 5 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Councillors L Barrett, E Drysdale, I MacPherson, C Mair and S McCole 1 Member abstained as follows: Councillor S Donaldson Page 7 of 38
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Resolved: In accordance with the Motion. PROPOSALS - CAPITAL GRANTS (1) 5th Perth Rainbows and Brownies Resolved: 5th Perth Rainbows and Brownies be awarded a grant of £154.85 to purchase hi-visibility vests so they can attend trips and events. (2) Kinnoull Tennis Club Motion by Depute Provost A Parrott and Councillor A Chan Kinnoull Tennis Club be awarded a grant of £10,000 towards improvement of their facilities. Amendment by Councillors P Barrett and J Rebbeck Kinnoull Tennis Club be awarded a grant of £15,000 towards improvement of their facilities. In terms of Standing Order 21.5, a roll call vote was taken 3 Members voted for the Motion as follows: Depute Provost A Parrott, Councillors A Chan and I MacPherson 8 Members voted for the Amendment as follows: Bailie C Ahern, Councillors L Barrett, P Barrett, E Drysdale, C Mair, I Massie, S McCole and J Rebbeck 1 Member abstained: Councillor S Donaldson Resolved: In accordance with the Amendment. HAVING PREVIOUSLY DECLARED AN INTEREST IN THE FOLLOWING ITEM, COUNCILLOR MASSIE LEFT THE CHAMBERS AT THIS POINT. (3) Buttons and Bows Baby Bank Resolved: Buttons and Bows Baby Bank be awarded a grant of £4,000 towards improvement of their referral system. COUNCILLOR I MASSIE RETURNED TO THE MEETING. 7. 2024/25 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Page 8 of 38
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There was a submitted report by the Strategic Lead – Finance and Business Support (24/325) providing details of the income and expenditure to 30 September 2024 and the projected outturn for financial year 2024/25 for the Perth Common Good Fund. Resolved: The projected income and expenditure to 31 March 2025 for the Perth Common Good Fund, as set out in Appendix 1 to Report 24/235, be noted. ~~~~~~~~ Page 9 of 38
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Perth Common Good Fund Committee 3 February 2025 Applications For Financial Assistance Report by Strategic Lead – Housing and Communities (Report No. 25/20) 1. Purpose 1.1 The report asks Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider four small grant applications. 2. Recommendation 2.1 It is recommended that the Committee: • Consider the grant applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. 3. Structure Of Report 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background / Main Issues • Section 5: Proposals: Small Grants • Section 8: Conclusion • Appendices 4. Background / Main Issues 4.1 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 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. 4.2 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. 4.3 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). 5 Page 11 of 38
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4.4 The 2024/25 Budget for the Perth Common Good Fund was approved at the Committee meeting on 29 January 2024 (Report 24/28 refers). A summary of the approved Financial Assistance budget, committed grant funding, and the budget remaining, is provided below: 2024/25 Financial Assistance Budget St John’s Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table Small Grants Cost of Living Grant Capital Grants £2,000 £20,000 £75,000 £30,280 £50,000 Value of grants paid and committed St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table Small Grants Cost of Living Grant Capital Grants £2,000 £20,204 £65,952 £17,533 £41,184 Remaining Financial Assistance Budget St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table Small Grants Cost of Living Grant Capital Grants £0 £0 £9,048 £12,747 £8,816 Value of funding requested and under consideration St Johns Kirk Carillon Perth Strathearn Round Table Small Grants Cost of Living Grant Capital Grants £0 £0 £13,472 £0 £0 5. Proposals - Small Grants Perth Festival of the Arts 5.1 Perth Festival of the Arts are seeking £2,281 to contribute towards their Community Stage and free shows in Perth City Centre. Page 12 of 38
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5.2 May 2025 marks the 53rd Perth Festival of the Arts, delivering around 30 events, concerts and exhibitions across Perth City. Funding under consideration is to support a series of 11 free concerts to take place at lunchtimes, the Festival Service, and the Community Stages. The lunchtime concerts will feature five local secondary schools giving performance opportunities to young musicians. Perth Youth Orchestra will perform at the Festival Service. The Community stages will feature pop-up concerts showcasing performing arts organisations from across Perth & Kinross, including groups such as Perthshire Brass, Perth Amateur Operatic Society, Fair City Singers and the Jamboree Choir. The stages will be spread around the city, with concerts taking place in St Matthew’s Church, St John’s Kirk and outdoor plazas. These concerts aim to celebrate and promote the variety of home-grown artistic talent in Perth & Kinross and bring vibrant concerts and pop-up arts experiences to local people in a way that is fully accessible and free to the audience member. 5.3 It is expected that over 200 young people, and 80 performers from the Common Good area will take part in the performances. It is hoped that audiences will reach 2,000 members of the public. The festival as a whole expects to reach 12,000 people, half of whom are expected to be from Perth. 5.4 Perth Festival of the Arts have received £3,477 from the Perth Common Good in the previous three financial years. Allocated as below: Year Funding Project 2023/24 £1,942 Community Stages 2024 2022/23 £1,535 Marketing for 2023 festival Page 13 of 38
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5.5 Proposed expenditure is detailed below: Consideration 5.6 It is considered that a grant of £2,281 is consistent with criteria 9.2a. Perth Chinese Association 5.7 Perth Chinese Association are requesting a grant of £4,655 towards their Chinese New Year Celebration on 25th January 2025. 5.8 Over the years, Perth Chinese Association’s New Year Celebrations have grown to be the biggest and most attended Public Chinese New Year Event in Scotland, attended by people from all over the UK. In order to achieve this, the Perth Chinese Association continue to work closely with Perthshire Welfare Society, Perth Minorities Association, and PKC’s Equalities Team as well as local schools and Perth College UHI. Links have also been made with the Confucius Hub at Kinross High School. 5.9 This year, the event will include Chinese Workshops, Music & Dance at 2 High Street followed by Chinese Lion & Dragon Dancers leading a procession along the High Street, along St Johns Street and down South Street before ending at the event centre at 2 High Street. It is anticipated that 1,750 people from the common good area, 3,200 from elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, and 800 from further afield will attend. 5.10 Perth Chinese Association have confirmed that there will not be any fireworks at this years’ event. Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Donations/Fees to seven community arts organisations (including Perth Youth Orchestra) Mix of hire costs/donations (aim to cover costs for groups who are mainly charities.) Budget of £400 per group. £2,800 Production 130 x Chairs - £333 1 x Piano Tuning - £70 £403 Venue Hire 6 x £200 St John’s Kirk 1 x £300 St Matthew’s Church £1,500 Transport for schools 2 large coaches for 2 trips £700 Printed programmes for School Concerts Quote £25 Performance Royalties Charges made by Performing Society for live music at free events – estimated at £25 x 11 events (excludes Perth Youth Orchestra) £275 Total proposed expenditure £5,703 Contribution from Individual/Group £2,622 Public donations £800 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £2,281 Page 14 of 38
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5.11 Security Staffing, Parking Services, Barriers, First Aider, Signage, Flyers, Marketing and Signage for the event have not been included in the budget table as they will all be provided in-kind. 5.12 Perth Chinese Association have received £16,115 from the Perth Common Good in the previous three financial years. Allocated as below: Year Funding Project Funded 2022/23 £9,000 Perth Mela Festival 2022/23 £4,875 Chinese New Year 2023 2023/24 £2,240 Chinese New Year 2024 5.13 Expected costs for the event are noted in the table below: Consideration 5.14 It is considered that an award of up to £4,655 is consistent with criteria 9.2a Hearts and Minds 5.15 Hearts and Minds are seeking a grant of £1,536 towards their 2025 Clowndoctors in the Classroom project at Fairview Primary School. Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Chinese Singer/Performers/Magicians Quotation £3,500 Chinese Lion & Dragon Performance Quotation £2,588 Workshops for Children Quotation £1,700 Face Painter Estimate £350 Giant Panda, God of Fortune, Buddha Quotation £3,500 Total proposed expenditure £11,638 Contribution from Individual/Group £2,000 Donation from Chinese Community Members £250 PKC Equalities Funding (approved) £750 In-kind support (covering the singer/performer and part of the God of Fortune and Buddha) £3,983 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £4,655 Page 15 of 38
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5.16 Hearts & Minds aims to help vulnerable people overcome feelings of powerlessness, anxiety and isolation through the art of therapeutic clowning. The Clowndoctors in the Classroom programme supports learners with complex additional support needs to have positive learning experiences. The Clowndoctors facilitate the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence through sensory play and character-based theatrical clowning, encouraging participation, increased confidence, increased social interaction and improved verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The use of magic, music, puppetry, improvisation and slapstick focuses on literacy & language, numeracy, dance & movement, music & expressive arts, drama & role play. The programme has received positive feedback from the school and parents in previous years. 5.17 Clowndoctors visit the school for a full day each week and aim to work with every pupil at least once per fortnight. Some pupils receive intensive blocks where they work with the Clowndoctors weekly. 64 children from the Common Good area are supported. 5.18 Hearts and Minds have not received funding from Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three financial years. 5.19 Project costs for the project are detailed in the table below: Consideration 5.20 Committee are asked to consider an award in line with criteria 9.8. Scottish Brass Band Association 5.21 The Scottish Brass Band Association are seeking a grant of £5000 to assist with the hire of Perth Concert Hall for their March 2025 Regional Contest. Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Artist fees 2 x freelancers at £145pp per visit x 36 visits £10,440 Training costs £28 per visit x 36 visits £1,008 Travel Costs £35 x 36 visits £1,260 Costumes, props and miscellaneous admin costs £11 x 36 visits £396 Programme management costs £48 per visit x 36 visits £1,728 Total proposed expenditure £14,832 The Gannochy Trust (approved) £10,000 D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust (approved) £3,296 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £1,536 Page 16 of 38
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5.22 The Scottish Brass Band Association covers Brass Bands the length and breadth of Scotland. It holds two events each year in Perth Concert Hall; the Scottish Festival of Brass in November, and the Regional Contest in March. During these events they encourage visiting bands to support the local community and economy by using local hotels and eateries as well as to book local halls for any rehearsals. Approximately 55 bands will take part in the competition bringing 2000 people into the city. Roughly 50 players from Perth City take part, with another 25 from the rest of Perth and Kinross. These local players can enjoy the chance to play before their peers as well as gain experience playing on a large stage in a professional hall. The event is entirely volunteer run with 30-40 volunteers helping across the weekend, 6 of whom are from Perth and Kinross. The event is open to the public to purchase tickets to attend, and the group aim to sell 500 tickets. Typically, 100-150 residents of the Perth Common Good Area attend. It is hoped that this event is not only a success for the bands, but that it will also have a positive economic impact on local businesses. 5.23 The Scottish Brass Band Association have not received funding from the Perth Common Good Fund in the previous three financial years. 5.24 Expected costs for the event are detailed in the table below: Consideration 5.25 It is considered that an award of up to £5,000 to support the local content is consistent with criteria 9.2b. Specific items Basis of Costing Amount Accommodation for volunteers Royal George Hotel and other venues £7,000 Total Hall Cost Perth Concert Hall £15,000 Catering Various local businesses £2,000 Professional Adjudicators (including travel) Adjudicator fees £3,000 Volunteer expenses Estimate £1,000 Hire of percussion equipment Quote £4,000 Prizes and commemorative medals Estimate £2,000 Compere and PR Estimate £1,000 Total proposed expenditure £35,000 Contribution from Individual/Group – Funds will be raised through advertising in the programme, programme sales, audience ticket sales, fees from trade stands that attend the event, band entry fees (£100 per band), band registration fees, Scottish Brass Band Association Reserves. £30,000 Funding Requested from Perth Common Good Fund £5,000 Page 17 of 38
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6. Conclusion 6.1 The Committee is asked to consider the applications and agree any financial assistance to be awarded. Authors Name Designation Contact Details Sarah Kimmet David Stokoe Community Empowerment Officer Service Manager Communities 01738 475000 EPLCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Elaine Ritchie Strategic Lead Housing and Communities 9 January 2025 Appendices • Appendix 1: Perth Common Good Fund Criteria Page 18 of 38
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ANNEX 1. Implications, Assessments, Consultation, and Communication Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment None Strategic Environmental Assessment None Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) None Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan 1.1 The proposals will contribute to the Community Plan’s aim of safe, healthy and inclusive communities and the outcome of communities will have improved quality of life. Corporate Plan 1.2 The proposals will contribute to the Corporate Plan’s priorities of tackling poverty and supporting and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 The Strategic Lead, Finance & Business Support has been consulted and has indicated agreement with the proposals. The recommendations contained within this report will be funded from the 2024/25 Financial Assistance budget. Workforce 2.2 Not applicable. Asset Management (land, property, IT) Page 19 of 38
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2.3 Not applicable. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.2 This section should reflect that the proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. This is because the Committee are requested to note the contents of the report only and the Committee are not being requested to approve, adopt or agree to an action or to set the framework for future decisions. Sustainability 3.5 Not applicable. Legal and Governance 3.6 Not applicable. Risk 3.7 Not applicable. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The Strategic Lead, Finance & Business Support and the Strategic Lead, Legal and Governance have been consulted. External Page 20 of 38
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4.2 Not applicable. 5. Communication 5.1 Not applicable. 2. Background Papers 2.1 None. Page 21 of 38
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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 23 of 38
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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 24 of 38
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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 25 of 38
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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 26 of 38
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Perth Common Good Fund Committee 3 February 2025 2025/26 Budget & 2024/25 Financial Statement Report by Chief Finance Officer (Report No. 25/21) 1. Purpose Of Report This report seeks approval of the budget for 2025/26 for the Perth Common Good Fund and provides details of the income and expenditure to 31 December 2024 and the projected outturn for 2024/25. 2. Recommendations 2.1 The Committee is requested to: (i) Approve the Perth Common Good Fund Budget for 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1; (ii) Note the draft Budgets for the Fund for 2026/27 and 2027/28, as set out in Appendix 1; (iii) Note the projected income and expenditure to 31 March 2025 for the Perth Common Good Fund for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report. 3. Background / Main Issues 3.1 The budget for 2024/25 was approved by the Committee on 29 January 2024 (Report 24/28 refers). The Committee received financial monitoring updates at the meetings on 29 April 2024 (Report 24/135 refers), 26 August 2024 (Report 24/220 refers), and 25 November 2024 (Report 24/235 refers). 3.2 The proposed budget for 2025/26 has been prepared based on activity undertaken in 2023/24 and 2024/25 and reflects current trends. The 2025/26 budget includes new lines for specific awards of Financial Assistance, and these are further explained in Section 4 of this report. Other budget lines have been adjusted for anticipated changes in the new financial year. Appendix 1 provides the proposed 2025/26 Budget for the Perth Common Good Fund and the draft budgets for 2026/27 and 2027/28. 3.3 This report also provides an update on the projected outturn for 2024/25. 6 Page 27 of 38
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2 4. Proposals Budget 2025/26 4.1 The proposed budget for 2025/26 and the draft budgets for 2026/27 and 2027/28 reflect current prices and have been prepared in line with activity undertaken in 2023/24 and 2024/25, and in line with the anticipated costs which are likely to be incurred in future years. 4.2 Appendix 1 provides a summary of the actual outturn for the years 2021/22 to 2023/24, together with the projected outturn for 2024/25. Also included is the proposed budget for 2025/26, and draft budgets for the following two financial years. 4.3 The proposed budgets for 2026/27 to 2027/28 achieve a surplus to provide contingency for any in-year movement in the actual income received and/or expenditure incurred. 4.4 In line with previous years, the 2025/26 Perth Common Good Fund budget and medium-term plan is based upon a strategy of distributing the annual income of the Fund, whilst protecting the Fund balance. There is a budgeted deficit in 2025/26, however, this is mainly due to the Moncreiffe Island Causeway works extending into the new financial year. 4.5 There does, however, remain the risk that the Fund balance may be reduced in the event of a shortfall in income or if expenditure budgets are exceeded in any year. There also remains the risk that a common good site used for service delivery by the Council is declared surplus in the future. In this scenario, the site would transfer to the Perth Common Good Fund and the Fund would be responsible for the upkeep of the site until disposal. 4.6 The proposed budget for 2025/26 essentially replicates the budget for the current year, and adjustments to specific lines are noted as follows: - • Repairs and Maintenance – Moncreiffe Island Causeway The causeway repair works commenced in 2024/25, however, a period of adverse weather conditions and high water has resulted in the completion of works being rescheduled for Spring 2025. The delay has resulted in the cost of works increasing by £12,000, and it is proposed that the additional cost is met from underspend in the current year Repairs and Maintenance - General budget. • Financial Assistance – Perth & Kinross Mela and City of Perth Salute It is proposed to include new budget lines for the Perth & Kinross Mela and City of Perth Salute events in line with the amounts approved on 26 August 2024 (Report 24/219 refers). Both of the events are annual and the Perth Common Good Fund has provided financial assistance to the cost of the Mela event in recent years, and the Salute in Page 28 of 38
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3 2024/25. The funding awarded is at a higher level than that normally awarded as a Small Grant, and directly referencing these within the budget will aid clarity and allow other community groups to access the full allocation of Small Grants funding. • Financial Assistance – Small Grants The Small Grants budget has been maintained at £75,000. • Financial Assistance - Cost of Living This line was added to the budget in 2023/24, and the annual underspend has been carried forward to the next financial year. The 2024/25 underspend of £23,267 is carried forward to 2025/26. 4.7 There are small adjustments to other budget lines, and these are in line with current pricing. The anticipated budgeted deficit for 2025/26 is £18,730 which is mainly due to the rephasing of the Moncreiffe Island Causeway works into 2025/26. Financial Statement 2024/25 4.8 Appendix 2 provides the 2024/25 Financial Statement which includes the Budget approved by Committee on 29 January 2024 (Report 24/28 refers). 4.9 Following the update to Committee on 25 November 2024 (Report 24/235 refers), the reported surplus of £233 has changed to £91,556, a movement of £91,323 and is mainly due to the following: • There is a current year underspend of £12,000 on the Repairs & Maintenance – General budget, which has been allocated to the increased cost of the Moncreiffe Island Causeway repair works to be completed in 2025/26. • The year end projections for Financial Assistance have been updated in line with the funding requests to be considered by Committee at this meeting. This includes £10,520 of Cost of Living funding which was approved in 2023/24 but has now been declined by the applicant. The anticipated underspend to 31 March 2025 across all Financial Assistance budget lines is £27,455, a movement of £29,955 from the previous report on 25 November 2024. • Additional repairs and the replacement of the Christmas decorations and installations has resulted in a £6,000 overspend in the Erect, Dismantle, & Maintain Christmas Lights budget. • The contribution to the cost of the Christmas Lights Switch on Ceremony is not required and results in an underspend of £50,000. • Rents, Fees, & Charges Income has increased by £5,000 mainly due to all shops now being occupied. Page 29 of 38
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4 4.10 The estimated Fund balance at 31 March 2025 is £2,145,737, a movement of £91,323, reflecting the updated projections detailed in paragraph 4.9 above. Author(s) Name Designation Contact Details Fiona Lambie Accountant CHXFinance@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Scott Walker Chief Finance Officer 22 January 2025 Page 30 of 38
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5 ANNEX 1. Implications, Assessments, Consultation and Communication Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement None Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial Yes Workforce None Asset Management (land, property, IST) None Assessments Equality Impact Assessment Yes Strategic Environmental Assessment Yes Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) Yes Legal and Governance None Risk None Consultation Internal Yes External None Communication Communications Plan None 1. Strategic Implications Corporate Plan 1.1 The Council’s Corporate Plan 2022 – 2027 lays out seven outcome focussed strategic objectives which provide clear strategic direction, inform decisions at a corporate and service level and shape resources allocation. They are as follows: • Tackling poverty • Tackling climate change and supporting sustainable places • Growing a sustainable and inclusive local economy • Enabling our children and young people to achieve their full potential • Protecting and caring for our most vulnerable people • Supporting and promoting physical and mental wellbeing • Placing communities at the heart of how we work 1.2 This report relates to all objectives. Page 31 of 38
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6 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from this report other than those reported within the body of the main report. 3. Assessments Equality Impact Assessment 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. 3.2 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) and has been assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.3 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.4 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. Sustainability 3.5 Under the provisions of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 the Council has to discharge its duties in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. In terms of the Climate Change Act, the Council has a general duty to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community, environmental and economic impacts of its actions. 3.6 The information contained within this report has been considered under the Act. However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 No consultation has been necessary in the preparation of this report. Page 32 of 38
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7 5. Background Papers 5.1 No background papers, as defined by Section 50D of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (other than any containing confidential or exempt information) were relied on to any material extent in preparing the above report. 6. Appendices • Appendix 1 – Perth Common Good Fund – Audited Outturn for 2021/22 to 2023/24: Projected Income & Expenditure for 2024/25; and Draft Budgets for 2025/26 to 2027/28. • Appendix 2 – Perth Common Good Fund – Financial Statement for the period to 31 December 2024 for Financial Year 2024/25. Page 33 of 38
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Appendix 1 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND AUDITED OUTTURN FOR 2021/22 TO 2023/24; PROJECTED INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR 2024/25; AND DRAFT BUDGETS FOR 2025/26 TO 2027/28 Draft Draft Draft Actual Actual Actual Budget Projection BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET EXPENDITURE 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ PROPERTY COSTS Rent & Rates 5,841 1,629 1,644 1,300 1,323 1,350 1,350 1,350 Repairs and Maintenance - General 19,212 (1,372) 1,135 15,000 3,000 10,000 15,000 15,000 Repairs and Maintenance - Moncreiffe Island 0 0 0 62,000 36,487 37,513 0 0 Depreciation 3,400 3,600 0 3,400 0 0 0 0 OTHER SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Financial Assistance - St John's Kirk Carillon 0 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 Financial Assistance - Perth & Strathearn Round Table 0 20,594 18,292 20,000 20,204 20,000 20,000 20,000 Financial Assistance - Perth & Kinross Mela 0 9,000 19,040 0 15,800 17,500 17,500 17,500 Financial Assistance - City of Perth Salute 0 0 0 0 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,500 Financial Assistance - Small Grants 5,233 28,450 26,049 75,000 46,124 75,000 75,000 75,000 Financial Assistance - Capital Grants 42,528 37,000 43,393 50,000 41,184 50,000 50,000 50,000 Financial Assistance - Cost of Living 0 0 39,220 30,280 7,013 23,267 0 0 Administration Charges 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 Legal Fees 2,765 1,900 1,475 0 87 0 0 0 Printing, Stationery, Advertising and Postages 0 0 98 500 413 500 500 500 CHRISTMAS EVENTS Rent, Rates & Electricity 9,290 15,280 15,630 15,000 15,209 16,000 16,000 16,000 Erect, Dismantle & Maintain Lights 6,960 16,453 15,715 20,000 26,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Switch on Ceremony 0 40,000 40,000 50,000 0 50,000 50,000 50,000 110,229 189,534 238,691 359,480 247,344 355,630 299,850 299,850 INCOME Rents 251,997 286,794 262,870 255,000 260,000 260,000 260,000 260,000 Interest on Investments 3,379 28,280 83,731 60,000 78,000 76,000 60,000 60,000 Fishing Permits 940 816 924 900 900 900 900 900 256,316 315,890 347,525 315,900 338,900 336,900 320,900 320,900 Surplus/(Deficit) for year 146,087 126,356 108,833 (43,580) 91,556 (18,730) 21,050 21,050 Projected Revenue Balance at 1 April 1,672,905 1,818,991 1,945,348 2,054,181 2,054,181 2,145,737 2,127,007 2,148,057 Surplus/(Deficit) for Year 146,087 126,356 108,833 (43,580) 91,556 (18,730) 21,050 21,050 Projected Revenue Balance at 31 March 1,818,991 1,945,348 2,054,181 2,010,601 2,145,737 2,127,007 2,148,057 2,169,107 Appendi 6 Page 35 of 38
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Appendix 2 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2024/25 AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024/25 Budget Actual to date Committed and Under Consideration Projected Outturn Projection Over/(Under) Spend £ £ £ £ £ Expenditure Property Costs Rent & Rates 1,300 1,035 - 1,323 23 Repairs and Maintenance - General 15,000 (220) - 3,000 (12,000) Repairs and Maintenance - Moncreiffe Island 62,000 3,123 33,363 36,487 (25,513) Depreciation & Impairment 3,400 - - - (3,400) 81,700 3,938 33,363 40,810 (40,890) Supplies and Services Financial Assistance - St Johns Kirk Carillon 2,000 - 2,000 2,000 - Financial Assistance - Perth & Strathearn Round Table 20,000 20,204 - 20,204 204 Financial Assistance - Small Grants 75,000 44,317 35,107 79,424 4,424 Financial Assistance - Capital Grants 50,000 22,604 18,580 41,184 (8,816) Financial Assistance - Cost of Living 30,280 7,013 - 7,013 (23,267) Administration Charges 15,000 15,000 - 15,000 - Legal Fees - 87 - 87 87 Printing, Stationery, Advertising and Postages 500 - - 413 (87) 192,780 109,226 55,687 165,325 (27,455) Christmas Events Rent, Rates & other property costs (storage for Christmas lights) 15,000 9,449 5,760 15,209 209 Erect, Dismantle and Maintain Christmas Lights 20,000 4,844 18,314 26,000 6,000 Switch on Ceremony 50,000 - - - (50,000) 85,000 14,293 24,074 41,209 (43,791) Total Expenditure 359,480 127,457 113,124 247,344 (112,136) Income Rents, Fees & Charges 255,000 212,014 - 260,000 5,000 Interest on Investments 60,000 - - 78,000 18,000 Fishing Permits 900 525 - 900 - Total Income 315,900 212,539 - 338,900 23,000 Surplus / (Deficit) (43,580) 85,082 (113,124) 91,556 135,136 Opening Balance 01/04/24 2,054,181 2,054,181 Surplus / (Deficit) (43,580) 91,556 Projected Common Good Fund Balance at 31 March 2025 2,010,601 2,145,737 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 2025 190,601 325,737 6 Page 37 of 38
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Appendix 2 PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2024/25 AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Grants Small Grants Capital Grants Meeting Paid Polish Scouting Experience - Marine Adventure £1,000 29/04/2024 Roverway International 2024 £300 29/04/2024 Sri Lankan Community in Perth & Kinross £2,080 29/04/2024 St John's Football Club £1,680 29/04/2024 King James VI Golf Club - Flooding £5,769 15/05/2024 Perth & Strathearn 200 Round Table £20,204 29/04/2024 Children Alone Seeking Asylum (CASA) £500 26/08/2024 Cost of Living -Health & Wellbeing Café £1,560 26/08/2024 Perth & Kinross Mela Association £15,800 29/04/2024 Cost of Living - Ad-Lib Arts - Hardship Fund £1,800 26/08/2024 Cost of Living -Perth Minorities Association (PMA) £6,848 26/08/2024 PKC Events Team - City of Perth Salute 2024 £17,500 29/04/2024 Our Lady's Primary School Parent Council £1,459 26/08/2024 Polish Scouting Association - Summer Camp £1,000 29/04/2024 Chansons Chamber choir £900 29/04/2024 Polish Scouting Association - 64th DH Girl Scouts - World Jamboree £500 29/04/2024 Polish Scouting Association - 44th Boy Scouts - World Jamboree £500 29/04/2024 Friends of Letham Primary Parent Council £1,808 26/08/2024 Neuro Central £320 26/08/2024 Cost of Living - Inch View Primary - Panto Trip £2,825 25/11/2024 Wednesday Tea Dance Club - Christmas Party 2024 £350 25/11/2024 Servite Housing Tenants Group £300 25/11/2024 Cost of Living - Giraffe £4,500 25/11/2024 5th Perth Rainbows and Brownies - Hi Vis Vests £155 25/11/2024 Kinnoull Tennis Club £15,000 25/11/2024 Total Paid 82,055£ 22,604£ Committed Our Lady's PS Parent Council £1,000 29/04/2024 Early Years Scotland £2,006 29/04/2024 Perth Choral Society £1,000 29/04/2024 Chansons Chamber choir £700 29/04/2024 St John's Football Club £740 29/04/2024 Fair City AFC £3,840 29/04/2024 Adventure Circus - Dragonfyre £5,000 26/08/2024 Friends of Letham Primary Parent Council £547 26/08/2024 Peform in Perth Festival 2025 £6,230 26/08/2024 Perth Indian Association (POI) £2,000 26/08/2024 Perth Outdoor Playgroup (POP)/Tayside Owls £618 26/08/2024 St John's Kirk - Spire Repairs £10,000 26/08/2024 Buttons & Bows Baby Bank £4,000 25/11/2024 St John's Kirk Carillon £2,000 25/11/2024 Inch View Primary - P7 Residential £1,000 25/11/2024 Bertha Park High Parent Angle £1,534 25/11/2024 Total Committed 23,635£ 18,580£ Under Consideration Perth Festival of Arts £2,281 03/02/2025 Perth Chinese Association £4,655 03/02/2025 Hearts & Minds £1,536 03/02/2025 Scottish Brass Band Association £5,000 03/02/2025 Total Under Consideration 13,472£ -£ Total £ 119,161 £ 41,184 Funding Approved - No longer required Small Grants Capital Grants Meeting Cost of Living - VitalityMe CIC £10,520 22/03/2023 Page 38 of 38