Appendix 2
Perth and Kinross Council · 28 September 2022
Back to Perth Common Good Fund Committee — 28 September 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PERTH COMMON GOOD FUND COMMITTEE 26 April 2022 APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Report by Head of Culture & Community Services (Report No. 22/99) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The report asks Perth Common Good Fund Committee to consider applications for financial assistance for 3 small grants and 2 capital grants. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Committee is asked to consider the 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 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 2022/23 Budget for the Perth Common Good Fund was approved at the Committee meeting on 21 February 2022 (Report 22/40 refers). A summary of the approved Financial Assistance budget, committed grant funding, and the budget remaining, is provided below:
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2022/23 Financial Assistance Budget Small Grants Capital Grants £60,000 £40,000 Value of grants paid and committed Small Grants Capital Grants £ NIL £ NIL Remaining Financial Assistance Budget Small Grants Capital Grants £60,000 £40,000 Value of funding requested and under consideration Small Grants Capital Grants £17,629 £37,000 4. SMALL GRANTS Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association (Perform in Perth) 4.1 An application has been received from Perthshire Musical (Competition) Festival Association, seeking a grant of up to £4,569 towards the Perform in Perth Festival 2022, which aims to advance, promote and encourage involvement in the performance of music, drama, dance, speech and literature. The event runs annually in March and consists of forty 3-hour sessions (120 hours) over two weeks. The festival enables competitors to gain experience of performing in public, whilst benefiting from the written and verbal adjudications by expert professionals. The event programme can be viewed here. There are opportunities for competitors to compete for a trophy or medals. The event gives members of the public the opportunity to attend and see/hear performances from performers across Perth and Kinross. The event will be held in venues across Perth city (Perth Concert Hall; St Leonard’s-in-the-Fields Church; St John the Baptist Episcopal Church; Elim Pentecostal Church; and North Inch Community Campus) and some performances will be hosted at Bankfoot Church Centre. Last year the event was held virtually. Approximately 75% of the over 1000 beneficiaries are from the Common Good area. People will know about the festival/event through advance publicity in the local press, as well as daily reporting/photographs of the results/winners in the local press throughout the run of the event. 4.2 The total costs for the project are £22,846, a breakdown of which has been included below. The group will charge entry fees for competitors and admission charges from members of the public (admission to Perth Concert Hall is £6 per session, £4 to all other venues, and £10 for a day ticket to all venues). Although there is only a gap of £2,720 between total proposed expenditure and total funding approved/requested, the group are applying for up to £4,569 due to the uncertainties of the pending funding and public admission costs so that they do not return a loss. If Perform in Perth secure the grants they have applied for elsewhere, the Common Good Fund grant will be adjusted downwards accordingly. Specific items Amount Facility Hire £8,481
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Adjudicator/Accompanist Costs £5,050 Postage etc. £1,300 Stationary, Printing, Advertising £2,100 Music Purchases £200 Insurance £515 Website Maintenance/Licences £1,400 Honoraria (Secretaries, Music Secretary and Treasurer) £3,000 Audit/Affiliation Fees £500 Travel Subsidies £300 Total proposed expenditure £22,846 Forteviot Trust (approved) £1,200 Thomson Trust (approved) £850 Perth Guildry (approved) £1,400 William Syson Foundation (pending) £2,500 Patrons Subscriptions/Donations £2,200 Performer’s entry fees £6,000 Public admissions £4,000 Fundraising/Programme sales £1,076 Advertising £500 Bank interest/Gift Aid £400 Funding requested £4,569 Consideration 4.3 It is considered that a grant of up to £4,569 is consistent with Criteria 9.2(b). Past Funding PLUS Perth and Kinross 4.4 An application of £4,060 has been received from PLUS Perth and Kinross for the Ropemakers Close & Horners Lane: History, Heritage & Health project. The aim of the project is to engage with the history of the Ropemakers Close and Horners Lane sites (rich archaeological and historical areas linked to Perth’s trades, guilds and commerce, such as rope making) for the benefit of nearly 400 PLUS Perth members (a charity helping improve the lives of those suffering with mental health issues), the people of Perth, and Perth visitors. As part of the project, PLUS Perth members will undertake guided/facilitated research in Perth Museum and Art Gallery, the AK Bell Library, Perth and Kinross Archives. Local archaeologists and historians will deliver talks, undertake workshops and activities (with an artist/craftsperson) linked to the area’s history and ultimately design and commission information boards to be mounted outside the two sites (with Perth and Kinross Council’s permission). In particular, the project will engage with the Medieval and later history of the two sites and their immediate environments, and in the case of Ropemakers Close, the history of ropemaking in Perth. This project is part of the wider Year Amount Criteria Project 2020/2021 £1,500 9.2 Perform in Perth 2018/2019 £1,500 9.2 Perform in Perth
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work being undertaken by the group to improve Horners Lane and Ropemakers Close; the project is just one aspect of this work. 4.5 Those experiencing mental health issues are likely to come to PLUS Perth for support. The project will help to reignite the passions of some members to become an active participant in community building and help them find new purpose/sense of belonging after experiencing difficult periods of their lives. Around 400 (aged 17+) people from the Common Good Area are expected to benefit from the project. It is also expected to benefit everyone in Perth and Kinross, as well as visitors to the area, indirectly. The sites will be accessible to and will host events for the wider community. 4.6 Made in Perth, a local history and heritage charity, has been assisting PLUS Perth in developing the project and will continue to play a part in the project’s implementation. The group have also been working and liaising closely with Perth and Kinross Council on the purchase of the Ropemakers building and have explained their project’s vision to officers during this process. The project is estimated to take place between June 2022 and May 2023, dependent on securing the funding - it has been noted that without any funding, the project would not go ahead. 4.7 The total costs for the project are £4,060, a breakdown of which has been included below. The applicant has not received grant funding from the Common Good Fund in the last three years. Specific items Basis of costing Amount Alder Archaeology working with PLUS Perth members: preparing and giving a talk, working with members on their research, developing information boards and managing their production and mounting. £200 per day plus VAT – six days – standard daily rate for Alder Archaeology £1,440 Miscellaneous expenses: reproduction, minor travel costs for members, copyright permissions, contingency. Estimated based on experience running other projects £540 Artist or Craftsperson delivering ropemaking workshops and activities. £200 per day plus VAT – two days - standard daily rate £480 Information board manufacture and mounting. Estimated based on experience running other projects £1,600 Total proposed expenditure £4,060 Funding requested £4,060
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Consideration 4.8 In line with Criteria 9.8, the Committee is asked to consider the request and determine the level of any grant to be awarded. Perth Chinese Association 4.9 An application of £9,000 has been received from Perth Chinese Association to contribute to the Perthshire Mela 2022 project. It is a 1-day event due to be held on Sunday 5th June between 12.00pm to 5.00pm in Perth City as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. The event will feature: a main stage featuring a line-up of acts from international artists and local talent; music from DJs, MCs, and musical performers; art; dance; a fashion parade; a Mela Kid zone hosting a schedule of activities to keep children entertained, for example dance workshops, arts and crafts and live performances; food; and a market of stalls. The aim of the project is to advance the education and community development of the minority communities in Perth & Kinross to encourage active participation, and to promote cultural harmony, equality and diversity among communities, fostering integration and community cohesion. 4.10 Due to the City of Perth Chinese New Year and many other multi-cultural events not being celebrated in public due to the pandemic, the following groups have invested their time and effort to organise a Mela: Perth Chinese Association, ESOL Perth, Perth Polish School, Perth Polish Scouts, Saints Community Trust, Perth Indian Association, and Perth Welfare Society. It is currently anticipated that the Mela, linked to the Platinum Jubilee Mela aims to attract at least 1350 people from the Common Good Area, 1350 people from elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, and 900 people from outside of Perth and Kinross. Attendees will not be charged entry to the Mela. 4.11 The total costs are estimated to be £25,000, a breakdown of which has been provided below – all of the prices are based on quotes. Specific items Amount Main Stage, Viewing Screen, Sound & Lighting £6,000 Security and first aid £1,000 Main Stage Acts/Groups & Performers & parade £15,000 Decorations & Flags £2,000 Stalls £1,000 Total proposed expenditure £25,000 PKC Events Fund (secured) £11,000 Individual donations (secured) £1,000 Perth Chinese Association group contribution (secured) £1,500 Confederation of all Chinese Associations in Scotland (secured) £1,000 Pledge from Perth Indian Association (pending) £1,000 Estimated to be received in individual donations from local businesses etc (pending) £500 Funding requested £9,000 Consideration 4.12 It is considered that a grant of £9,000 is consistent with Criteria 9.2(a).
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Past Funding 5. CAPITAL GRANTS PKAVS Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub (The Walled Garden) 5.1 An application of £17,000 has been received from PKAVS MHWBH to contribute to the Room for Recovery project. Since 1994, PKAVS Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub has been delivering wellbeing support to the local community from the grounds of The Walled Garden based at Murray Royal Hospital. Since the service has been established, PKAVS have erected three portable buildings: a client portacabin used as a social/recreational space, a second portable art studio and a small timber shed used as the staff office. These buildings are no longer considered fit for purpose; however, they are essential to the delivery of the service. In order for the service to be sustained, the group are requesting funds to purchase a replacement office, including a therapeutic meeting room for their clients (modular building style structure). The building and work will be sourced from a local supplier ensuring there is as little environmental impact as possible. By investing in the replacement office, the group aim to create a space for staff that enables them to perform the group’s services at the optimum level for their clients. This will be the final stage of the full ‘Room for Recovery’ project. 5.2 Around 120+ people (per annum) in the Common Good area, of varying ages, are expected to benefit from the project. 5+ people from elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, and 5+ people from outside of Perth and Kinross are also expected to benefit. The project is predicted to start in May 2022, with the intention to have this complete within a year. 5.3 The total costs are estimated to be £68,000, of which a breakdown has been included below. The building will be maintained on an annual basis, using money from the group’s maintenance budget set aside each year. Any additional costs such as paintwork/papering and flooring will be covered using the maintenance budget. Specific items Basis of costing Amount Office unit (3 rooms) inclusive of: removal of existing structure, laying of foundations, erection of new portable building (fully insulated and A-rated double glazing windows/doors), light fittings and sockets, and VAT. Quote from Eurocell £68,000 Year Amount Criteria Project 2021/2022 £4,200 9.2 Chinese New Year Celebrations 2022 - cancelled 2020/2021 £3,500 9.2 COVID – Winter Festival cancelled 2019/20 2019/2020 £3,500 9.2 Chinese New Year Celebrations 1st and 2nd Feb 2020 2018/2019 £3,000 9.2 Chinese New Year Feb 2019
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Total proposed expenditure £68,000 The National Lottery Young Start Fund (secured) £10,000 Mental Health Outcomes Framework pot (secured) £10,000 The Jimmie Cairncross Charitable Trust (pending) £5,000 The Thomson Charitable Trust (pending) £5,000 The Guildry (pending) £5,000 Fundraising target – 24 hour charity event and other small events such as car washes, bake sales, plant sales. £16,000 Funding requested £17,000 Consideration 5.4 It is considered that a grant of £17,000 is consistent with Criteria 10.4. Past Funding St. John’s Kirk of Perth 5.5 An application of £20,000 has been received from St. John’s Kirk of Perth for the repair of the Kirk spire and reinstatement of the gilded finial. In 2019, leaks in the leaded spire were investigated and the finial was found to be unsafe and the leaks unable to be repaired. Following advice from conservation architects (LDN Architects), structural engineers (Elliott and Co.), and Hardies Property and Construction Consultants, a programme of work has been developed under the leadership of LDN’s Conservation Architect. The grant will be used to boost the funds already available to assess what needs to be done and carry out repairs. 5.6 St. John’s Kirk is a city landmark of historical and architectural interest. The finial has been absent from the skyline for 2 years and the aim is to restore this. It is also adjacent to the new Museum, home to the Stone of Destiny, which is expected to attract many visitors. The group are also about to launch a press release to boost the present use of the Kirk. The project is estimated to begin mid-June 2022 and be completed mid-September 2022. The project is estimated to benefit an estimated 20,000 people from the Common Good Area, 40,000 people from elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, and 100,000 people from outside of Perth and Kinross. Year Amount Criteria Project 2021/2022 £800 Speak Over Stigma 2020/2021 £18,786 Capital Room for Recovery (Building Creativity) phase 1 2019/2020 £1,329 9.2 Open Studios leading to an End of Year Production
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5.7 The total cost of the project is £260,000, of which a breakdown has been detailed in the table below. Specific items Basis of costing Amount Repair of spire Probable cost, Hardies, 2021 £200,000 Allowance for inflation Excluded by Hardies, 2021. 10% assumed £20,000 Repairs to finial and regilding cockerel Verbal, 23/02/2022, from Ratho Forge for repair and gilding but not installation £8,000 Allowance for risk Excluded by Hardies, 2021. 15% assumed £30,000 VAT Excluded by Hardies but largely recoverable under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. £2,000 Total proposed expenditure £260,000 Funding secured from group contributions (for all works except finial repairs) £200,000 The Guildry (pending) £20,000 Cairncross Trust (pending) £20,000 Funding requested £20,000 Consideration 5.8 It is considered that a grant of £20,000 is consistent with Criteria 10.4. Past Funding Year Amount Criteria Project 2020/2021 £1,500 9.8 Carillion Recitals for Civic Engagements 2018/2019 £1,329 9.8 Civic Recitals
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Authors Name Designation Contact Details Lee Haxton Community Planning & Policy Team Leader 01738 475000 ComCommitteeReports@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Barbara Renton Executive Director (Communities) 04 April 2022
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ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan 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. The recommendations contained within this report are in accordance with the priorities of Perth Common Good Fund's criteria for financial assistance. Corporate Plan 1.2 The proposals will contribute to the Corporate Plan’s objectives of developing educated, responsible and informed citizens and the outcome of people are ready for life and work. The recommendations contained within this report are in accordance with the priorities of Perth Common Good Fund's criteria. 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1. The Head of Finance has been consulted and has indicated agreement with the proposals. The recommendations contained within this report will be funded from the 2022/23 Financial Assistance budget.
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Workforce 2.2 N/A. Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 N/A. 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. The Equality Impact Assessment undertaken in relation to this report can be viewed clicking here. Strategic Environmental Assessment 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. 3.3 The proposals have been considered under the Act and no further action is required as it does not qualify as a PPS as defined by the Act and is therefore exempt. Sustainability 3.4 N/A. Legal and Governance 3.5 The Head of Legal and Governance has been consulted. Risk 3.6 N/A. 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 The Head of Finance and the Head of Legal and Governance have been consulted.
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External 4.2 N/A. 5. Communication 5.1 N/A. 6. BACKGROUND PAPERS 6.1 Perth Common Good Application papers. 7. APPENDICES 7.1 Perth City Common Good Fund Criteria.