Community Funding Update
Renfrewshire Council · 29 October 2024
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 29 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Some pages contain no extractable text. They may be blank, graphics or scanned pages. OCR has not been applied.
Page 1
___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 29th October 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Funding Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 As agreed previously by the board, the Policy and Partnerships service now prepares and submits a paper for consideration each cycle in relation to Council led community funding available for allocation through the Greenspaces, Villages Investment and Sustainable Communities Fund(s). This paper represents the most recent update for members in relation to these funds. 1.2 Whilst the Greenspaces and Villages Investment Fund are well established, elected members will be aware that the Sustainable Communities Fund was launched in early October 2023. The response in relation to the Sustainable Communities Fund continues to be very positive with a strong pipeline of applications under development. 1.3 An officer panel reviews all applications for the Sustainable Communities Fund and makes recommendations on funding awards to members of the Communities and Housing Board. The panel met in September and October to consider applications received through the fifth funding round which closed on 31st August 2024.
Page 2
1.4 Section 4 of the report provides an overview of the Sustainable Communities Fund and sets out recommendations for consideration by the board in relation to this funding round. Three applications are recommended for approval, and seven applications are recommended to be deferred at this time to allow for further information gathering and engagement on applications with the community organisations concerned. Eight applications are not recommended for funding, as these were not assessed as meeting the funding criteria by the officer panel. Two applications have been withdrawn following submissions during previous funding rounds. 1.5 Full detail on all applications and related recommendations relating to the Sustainable Communities Fund is provided in Appendix 1 of this report. 1.6 Members are asked to note that where projects are not recommended for award, this does not reflect the quality and value of these projects and associated organisations at a local level, and officers will work with wider partners to signpost to other appropriate funding mechanisms. 1.7 Section 5 of this report sets out recommendations in relation to Villages Investment funding. 1.8 The Sustainable Communities Fund has been very popular since its launch and has attracted a significant number of applications. As the Fund has now been in operation for one year, it is recommended that a formal review of the guidance is carried out. This review will provide an opportunity to reflect learning points from the first year of operation and clarify guidance to support applicants as well as officers applying guidance when developing recommendations. It is further recommended that a review of Villages Investment Fund guidance and operation is carried out simultaneously, to ensure alignment of both funds and their processes. 1.9 Recognising there are several applications currently in the process of being assessed for the fund, it is recommended that both funds are paused for new applicants at this time to allow the review to be completed. 1.10 Section 6 of this report details the context and arrangements for the review of guidance and operation for both funds. Full details on the review of the operation and guidance of the Sustainable Communities Fund will be reported to the next Communities and Housing Board on 14th January 2025.
Page 3
2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that members of the Board: Approve the funding recommendations detailed in Section 4 and Appendix 1 of this report in relation to the proposed allocation of the Sustainable Communities Fund Note the Villages Investment Fund update detailed in Section 5, with one recent award highlighted under delegated authority arrangements previously agreed. Note the planned review of the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund guidance and processes. Agree to pause both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Village Investment Fund to new applications pending the revision of guidance for the funds. 3. Background 3.1 To strengthen monitoring and oversight of funding recommendations made in relation to a number of specific Council funding streams, the Policy and Partnerships service now submits a community funding paper to each cycle of the Communities and Housing Board. This includes recommendations from officers in relation to funding awards through the Greenspaces Fund, Villages Investment Fund and the Sustainable Communities Fund. 4. Sustainable Communities Fund 4.1 In March 2023, Council agreed to combine the remaining monies from the Community Empowerment Fund and Climate Change Action Fund to create a single Sustainable Communities Fund. This was further boosted by £650,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Communities and Place for the support and improvement of community assets and infrastructure. £1.5m is available as funding to support projects and organisations through this Fund. 4.2 On 20th September 2023, Leadership Board approved the key objectives and criteria of the fund and agreed that recommendations in relation to funding applications would be submitted to the Communities and Housing Board for final approval, following assessment by a cross service officer panel.
Page 4
4.3 The Sustainable Communities Fund utilises a tiered funding model to reflect different-sized community projects as well as the varying levels of support required at different stages of development. A tiered approach helps to ensure ease of access to a proportionate application process to enable a range of initiatives that align with community empowerment: Small - awards up to £10K: capital and revenue funding to develop local projects and initiatives which are targeted at enabling community participation and promoting community collaboration and which build resilience within our communities. This level would be targeted at groups where a small amount of money can make a significant difference to enabling community participation. Intermediate – awards of £10K to £25K: capital and revenue funding to develop projects or organisations with a focus on improving community infrastructure and/or community wellbeing and which have the potential to be replicated in other areas; and Large – awards up to £100K: larger capital grants with the aim of supporting communities that aspire to take ownership or develop land or buildings in local communities. 4.4 The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which makes up part of the Sustainable Communities Fund, comprises a clear split between capital and revenue funding with set amounts allocated over financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. UKSPF will be allocated to approved projects which meet the criteria and to maximise drawdown within each financial year. 4.5 The Fund officially opened to applications on 10 October 2023, and the most recent funding round closed on 31st August 2024. A cross service officer panel met on two occasions in September and October 2024 to assess new applications against the funding guidance and criteria. The Panel also held follow up discussions on all deferred applications at that time. 4.6 In summary the panel recommends that: 3 applications be recommended for award 7 applications be deferred to gather further information and to allow for further engagement to be undertaken 8 applications are not recommended for funding awards as these were assessed as not meeting the criteria of this particular funding stream.
Page 5
Applications recommended for approval 4.7 Three applications have been submitted which are recommended for approval, as detailed below: Loud n Proud (£80,000) Loud n Proud have applied for £80,000 for a project to create soundproof rooms within The Kerr Building, as part of a wider vision to create a Community Music Hub within this space. Loud n Proud are a registered youth music charity based in Paisley. They provide opportunities for young people to learn to play musical instruments and in addition to providing music tuition, have a track record for using music to help support and enhance the lives of people in need. The Kerr Building (formerly Woodside House) was gifted to Loud n Proud in 2022, with a condition that the building is used for the good of the people of Paisley and at the same time giving Loud n Proud a permanent home. Loud n Proud has used this opportunity to create a community music hub providing a progression route into the music industry for young people in Renfrewshire. The project represents a fourth phase of capital works carried out to date, including making good following extensive fire damage, creation of three business incubator spaces (now leased by three independent music production companies), and interior building works to create four music tuition studios and one workshop space. The project will provide 5 soundproof rooms that would enable the organisation to cater for group and ensemble music, recording music, loud instruments such as brass, bag pipes and drums. This will increase the range and amount of opportunities for local people to take part in music. A key outcome of this project is that Loud n Proud would be in a stronger financial position to become more self-sufficient and less reliable on short-term funding, as they would be in a position to generate more income from their activities.
Page 6
The total cost of this project is estimated to be £99,710. The group have secured £13,500 of external funding from a range of different sources. The group have engaged with a range of Council services including economic development, planning etc as part of the development of their business plan. Funding of £20,000 was previously allocated from CODF to support organisational development, with a range of small awards made through Local Partnerships and Celebrating Renfrewshire to deliver specific targeted activities. Thorn Athletic Community Trust (£24,840) Thorn Athletic are well-established, grassroots football, multi-sport and community wellbeing club in West Johnstone. Thorn deliver football training sessions, fitness groups, weight management and healthy activity groups for different age/gender/interest groups including organised team sports from pre-school to pensioner groups (550+ active members). The organisation works to support people across the community to become more active and healthier, resilient and able, doing more for themselves, their families and community. As the organisation continues to grow it has consulted with local people and the community, and has recognised the need to develop a formal business plan which sets out what will be delivered going forward, what investment can be progressed in infrastructure and identifies future funding opportunities to support these developments. Funding is being sought through the Sustainable Communities Fund to appoint consultants to work with the organisation, who would develop a business plan, undertake an options appraisal exercise and deliver a feasibility study/report to RIBA Stage 1, on how to create the most appropriate facilities and projects to meet local needs. Your Community Your Space (£20,000) Your Community, Your Space is a recently constituted Paisley-based organisation that aims to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities locally. The organisation intend to progress a community asset transfer application in relation to Beechwood Community Centre and have identified that in order to develop the Centre as a viable community asset, they intend to engage with a business planning consultant to co- produce a business development strategy for the Centre.
Page 7
This will include a deliverable plan to realise income generation potential for the Centre and an Energy Audit. Deferred applications 4.8 Seven applications were submitted where further information requires to be gathered and evaluated before officers are able to make recommendations on these applications to the Board. To allow for further work to be carried out with groups relating to their proposals, it is recommended that applications are deferred as follows: Friends of Barshaw Park Houston Old School Trust Houston Community Council Finding Your Feet Life Church Renfrew Cricket Club Sculpture House Collective 4.9 As mentioned in Section 1 of this report, applicants are strongly advised to engage with co-ordinating officers as early as possible in the application development process. Applications not recommended for award 4.10 Finally, following assessment by the officer panel, the following applications are not recommended for a funding award, as they do not meet the criteria of the fund: Caledonia Bowling Club Feis Phaislig Paisley Model Yacht Club Studio FV Afghan Scottish Families Association Renfrew Development Trust St Mirren Charitable Foundation Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust 4.11 Members are asked to note that where projects are not recommended for award, this does not reflect the quality and value of these projects and associated organisations at a local level, and officers will work with wider partners to signpost to other appropriate funding mechanisms. 4.12 More detailed information in relation to each application is provided in Appendix 1.
Page 8
Overview of funding 4.13 The residual balance of available funding within the Sustainable Communities Fund is £205,964 of revenue funding, and £514,635 of capital funding. This includes the contribution from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, but does not include the recommendations detailed within this paper. 4.14 Subject to the approval of recommendations as set out in Appendix 1, £124,840 would be allocated to successful projects through Round 5 of the fund (£80,000 Capital, £44,840 Revenue). 5. Villages Investment Fund 5.1 Since the last update to board in August 2024, one Villages Investment Fund project has been funded under the Delegated Approval process. Community Group Project Sum Awarded Langbank Bowling Club Rendering Repair to Perimeter Wall £3,500 5.2 Langbank Bowling Club operate and maintain their asset which is part of a larger community facility. The entire site is divided internally, offering a community operated and accessible multi-use games area, as well as the private members bowling green. 5.3 The site has historically operated as a private tennis and bowling club for over 100 years. Records show it was gifted to the community of Langbank in the 1980’s. Renfrewshire Council do not have any part in the maintenance or operation of either facility. 5.4 Bowling Club members, as well as passers-by, contacted the Club concerned with the condition of the deteriorating exterior boundary wall, which separates the Green from the public, council adopted footpath. Left untreated this deterioration could impact the wall’s structure and safety, potentially requiring a significant spend to repair over time. 5.5 Following the approval of the above, £160,799 of Villages Investment Funding is remaining for future allocation.
Page 9
6. Proposed Review of funding guidance 6.1 The Policy and Partnerships service now reports several funding streams in a single community funding paper in order to strengthen monitoring and oversight of funding recommendations. This has been supported by the establishment and development of a cross-service officer panel which provides corporate oversight of grant applications in advance of making recommendations for elected members to consider. 6.2 As part of the development of the Connected Communities service, further work will be undertaken by officers to consider the Council’s grant funding and investment as part of its commitment to supporting a strong local community sector. This work will consider how the Council can best support local community organisations, making sure the Council maximises the impact of its investment for local people, and improving clarity and consistency for the local voluntary and community groups who seek to work with the Council. 6.3 The Sustainable Communities Fund has been very popular since its launch and has attracted a significant number of applications. As the Fund has now been in operation for one year, it is recommended that a formal review of the guidance is carried out. This review will provide an opportunity to reflect learning points from the first year of operation, and clarify guidance to support applicants as well as officers applying guidance when developing recommendations. This will be critical to ensuring that the remaining funding can be targeted to ensure maximum benefit for all local groups and organisations. 6.4 It is also suggested that officers also take the opportunity at this time to review guidance for the Villages Investment Fund, to ensure that guidance of both funding streams is closely aligned, with funding routes for applicants more clearly defined. As part of this review, consideration will also be given to how these two funds interact with other funding sources, such as Local Partnership funding, and consider how to best support organisations to navigate the local funding landscape. 6.5 The reviews will focus on the guidance and operation of funds, and will not review or seek to recommend any changes to allocated budgets or funding levels for either fund. 6.6 Recognising there are several applications currently in the process of being assessed for both funds, it is recommended that both funds are paused for new applicants at this time to allow the review to be completed. Officers will continue to work with all deferred applicants to progress information and proposals proactively over the coming months during this pause.
Page 10
6.7 Full details on the review of the operation and guidance of both the Sustainable Communities Fund and Villages Investment Fund will be reported in the next Board cycle in early 2025. It is anticipated that the funds will be reopened to new applicants as soon as practicable following the approval of any updated guidance. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – This paper recommends the allocation of £124,840 of funding from the Sustainable Communities Fund (£80,000 capital funding, £44,840 Revenue). The paper also reports the allocation of a further £3,500 from the Villages Investment Fund under delegated authority. 2. HR & Organisational Development – none. 3. Community/Council Planning – the Fund set out in the paper supports engagement and collaboration with local communities on a range of activities which align with the new Council Plan 2022-2027; Our Renfrewshire Community Plan and/or Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero. 4. Legal - none. 5. Property/Assets – there are a number of applicants to this fund seeking to pursue community asset transfers, and where there are relevant property or asset issues these are covered as part of discussions at the officer panel. 6. Information Technology – none. 7. Equality and Human Rights – the Recommendations included within this report are considered to have a positive impact on equality and human rights. The fund continues to attract applicants seeking to make community assets more accessible for communities, for example in this round there are recommended awards to support disabled access and facilities in community venues, dedicated projects for older people, as well as a number of projects seeking to address poverty and socio-economic disadvantage faced within some local communities. 8. Health and Safety – none. 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk – none. 11. Privacy Impact – none. 12. Climate Risk – the Sustainable Communities Fund aligns with the themes within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the delivery of relevant projects will assist the local response to the climate emergency.
Page 11
13. Childrens Rights – while there are no specific children’s rights implications associated with the recommendations for this round Sustainable Communities Fund, there are applications in the pipeline which seek to widen opportunities for children and young people to actively participate within their communities. 15. COSLA Policy Position – none. Appendix 1: Summary of applications with Officers recommendations ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Sustainable Communities Fund Guidance Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
Page 12
Appendix 1 – Sustainable Communities Fund APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR AWARD Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Recommended Award Comments Loud n Proud The purpose of the project is to create a community music hub, incorporating 5 soundproof rooms that would cater for group and ensemble music, recording music, loud instruments such as brass, bag pipes and drums. This will increase the range and number of opportunities for local people to take part in music and it will increase revenue generation opportunities (which are used to cover free music classes for young people) to make the organisation more sustainable. Large £80,000 £80,000 The total cost of the project is £99,700, and approximately £15,000 has been secured from other external funders. Loud and Proud operate from the Kerr Building following a fire at their previous premises. Their current premises have been gifted by the owner. The group provide a range of free activities for local people and it is intended that the revenue generating opportunities from the new facilities can support the ongoing financial sustainability of wider provision. Thorn Athletic Community Trust Funding is sought to create a business plan, options appraisal and feasibility to RIBA 1 on how to create Intermediate £24,840 £24,840, subject to receipt of three quotes The organisation has provided a single quotation for this work, and as such this award remains subject to the receipt of three quotes.
Page 13
the most appropriate facilities and projects to meet local needs. Your Community Your Space To develop the Beechwood Community Centre as a viable community asset, YCYS will engage with a business planning consultant to co-produce a business development strategy for the Centre. This will include a deliverable plan to realise income generation potential for the Centre and an Energy Audit. Intermediate £23,045 £20,000, subject to receipt of three quotes The organisation has provided a single quotation for this work, and as such this award remains subject to the receipt of three quotes. The award is recommended to be capped at £20,000 rather than the full requested amount, to remove the inflationary contingencies line within the proposed project budget. DEFERRED APPLICATIONS Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Recommended Award Comments Houston Community Council The project will deliver a Local Place Plan for the area covered by Houston Community Council. Intermediate £23,500 N/A Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application. Friends of Barshaw Park The group have requested support from the Fund for a range of capital works as well as a project manager and contingency to maintain structural support of the wall and bring buildings back into use as workshops and venues for activities. Large £80,000 N/A Note application deferred from previous round. Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application. Finding Your Feet (FYF) Further to a Business Energy Scotland (BES) energy audit, funding is sought to work alongside a Small £6,534.00 N/A Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application.
Page 14
contractor to identify key actions to be undertaken and cost up a programme of work and engage potential contractors. The audit outlined a range of recommendation to lower running costs/reduce the carbon emissions of the FYF Charity Hub in central Paisley. Houston Old School Trust Replacement of one of the Centre's gas central heating boilers. This boiler provides the heating for four of the rooms available for let and the hot water for the Kitchen. Small £4,000 N/A Note application deferred from previous round. Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application. Life Church The Lighthouse Project aims to transform the 1929-30 Henry Wilson Art Deco building at Paisley Cross, Paisley, Scotland, into a vibrant community hub featuring a café and public worship space. This initiative seeks to create a new home for the Church, preserving the architectural heritage of this iconic structure while addressing community needs such as socialisation, poverty alleviation, and addiction support. Large £100,000 N/A Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application.
Page 15
Renfrew Cricket Club The purpose of the project is to enhance the security and safety of the cricket club's grounds by installing 3-meter high fencing around the perimeter. Large £57,298.20 N/A Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application. Sculpture House Collective The purpose of the project is threefold. 1: To provide a more environmentally sustainable home for the organisation. Upgrading the energy efficiency of the building by installing insulation and replacing sub-standard and failing windows, enhancing the quality of the spaces within and reducing the carbon footprint. 2: To improve social sustainability by creating a new, community-accessible ceramic facility from two smaller existing spaces. Ceramic activities are in high demand from partners, and this work will provide more capacity and better facilities for existing and projected programmes. 3. To strengthen financial sustainability, ensuring the organisation’s long- term presence as a key cultural organisation in Ferguslie Park. The proposals will reduce energy overheads by around £3,000 (or Large £93,417.60 N/A Recommendation to defer to allow for further engagement and clarification on the application.
Page 16
3200kg of CO2) annually. A new ceramic facility will enable us to generate additional income via paid- for evening classes and increased public commissions. APPLICATIONS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AWARD Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Recommended award Comments Caledonia Bowling Club The purpose of the project is to improve the Club's internal and external facilities to provide a safe and inclusive environment for members (playing & social), wider community groups and visitors. Small £10,000 No award Note application deferred from previous round. The application did not meet the core funding criteria, as a member-based organisation it was felt the application did not sufficiently demonstrate wider community benefit. Fèis Phàislig The purpose of the project is to upgrade instrumental equipment to ensure high-quality learning experiences. Small £10,000 No award Note application deferred from previous round. The application did not meet the core funding criteria, as a member-based organisation it was felt the application did not sufficiently demonstrate wider community benefit.
Page 17
Paisley Model Yacht Club The project is requesting funds to procure a suitable stairway in wood or steel and its installation in the Clubhouse. Small £2,000 No award Note application deferred from previous round. The application did not meet the core funding criteria, as a member-based organisation it was felt the application did not sufficiently demonstrate wider community benefit. Studio FV The purpose of the project is to deliver film production services and workshop training in the use of the mobile community cinema kit (which they are caretakers of) to 3 organisations in Renfrewshire delivering social activities to people facing isolation and health inequalities. Intermediate £23,485 No award Note application deferred from previous round. The application did not meet the core funding criteria, as a member-based organisation it was felt the application did not sufficiently demonstrate wider community benefit. Afghan Scottish Families Association The purpose of the project is to integrate newly arrived Afghan Families in the society, well-being programs, bring them out from anxiety and depression, English Language supporting classes, bring the families together by contacting and celebrating their culture events. Small £10,000 No award The application did not meet the core funding criteria as it focused on recurring revenue costs with no identified plan for sustainability. The group is working with Engage on an alternative application and officers have made contact with the group to link to other local services and partnership opportunities. Renfrew Development Trust The organisation wants to acquire an unused, falling into disrepair building and develop into a Intermediate £23,200 No awards The application did not meet the core funding criteria as it focused on
Page 18
multipurpose, community designed hub. recurring revenue costs with no identified plan for sustainability. Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust This project is to save Lochwinnoch’s category A listed octagonally designed parish church. It was built in 1806 and subsequently extended and closed to the public in March 2020. Since then, it has suffered from water damage and all ongoing repairs were suspended. The organisation will purchase the church and the attached halls from the Church of Scotland, and sensitively repair and adapt it. Large £100,000 N/A The applicant has already received an award from the large tier of this fund for an alternative project, which is being progressed. St. Mirren FC Charitable Foundation The project will provide a health and wellbeing hub for the deprived community of Ferguslie Park in Paisley as well as a stand-alone base for charity staff - to: deliver activities from Large £100,000 N/A This application did not demonstrate sufficient wider community benefit. It was not considered that a base for staff was in line with the guidance for this fund.
Page 19
reduce operating costs and become more sustainable and self- sufficient The area is under the away stand, used to be a community area but has been left for a long time and in a state of disrepair. They offer a range of services to the community and being within the Club gives service users anonymity for programmes that require this. They need a space that is functional on a daily basis and also accommodate a lot of people, e.g. 60 for Alzheimer’s Scotland. WITHDRAWN APPLICATIONS Name of organisation Name of organisation Name of organisation Name of organisation Recommended Award Name of organisation Langbank Bowling Club The purpose of the project is to sustain Langbank Bowling Club by restoring the main brick retaining wall between the raised bowling green and Langbank Main Road. Small £3,500 N/a The Panel were supportive of elements of this project but noted that the project as a whole could be supported through Villages Investment Funding. Ralston Out of School Care The purpose of the project is to identify if the building of a purpose build family centre is needed and possible in the area between Ralston Primary School and the Ralston Community sports football pitches. Small £8,500 N/a Options have been discussed with ROSC who are keen to pursue an alternative CAT proposal and wish to withdraw their SCF application at this time.
Page 20
No embedded text on this page.