Community Funding 100124 FINAL
Renfrewshire Council · 16 January 2024
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 16 January 2024 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 16 January 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Funding Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 At its meeting on 31st October, members of the Communities and Housing Board were asked to note that a new consolidated Community Funding paper would be submitted for consideration in each policy board cycle. This report would provide updated information and set out recommendations for approval as required, in relation to 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 recently launched in early October 2023. The initial response to the fund has been very positive with a strong pipeline of applications under development. 1.3 An officer panel has been established to review applications for the Sustainable Communities Fund and to make recommendations on funding awards to members of the Communities and Housing Board. The panel met on several occasions in December and in early January 2024 to consider applications received within the first funding round which closed on 31st October 2023. 1.4 Section 3 of the report provides an overview of the Sustainable Communities Fund and sets out recommendations for consideration by the board in relation to the first round of applications received. 6 applications are recommended for approval, whilst 8 are recommended to be deferred at this time to allow for further information gathering and engagement on applications with the community organisations concerned. It is recommended that one application is rejected as the project does not meet the funding criteria as assessed by the officer panel.
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1.5 Full detail on all applications and related recommendations relating to the Sustainable Communities Fund is provided in Appendix 1 of this report. Elected members are asked to note that the next funding round ends on 31st January 2024. 1.6 Sections 4 and 5 of this report sets out recommendations in relation to the allocation of Greenspaces and Villages Investment funding with detailed information provided in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 to this report. As elected members will be aware, £200,000 of additional funding was allocated to top up the Villages Investment Fund through the Council budget in March 2023. The report recommends that £20,000 of funding is also allocated to support staffing costs arising from the continuation of the funding programme into 2024 and funding administration processes. ___________________________________________________________________ 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 Funding; • Note the Greenspaces/Villages Investment funding awards made under delegated authority provided to the Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure to approve applications under the value of £5,000 as detailed in Appendix 2; • Approve the funding recommendations outlined in Section 6 and Appendix 3 in relation to the Villages Investment Fund • Agree that £20,000 be allocated from the Villages Investment Fund to allow for staffing resource to be deployed to support the ongoing continuation of the Villages Investment Funding through 2024. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Members will be aware that regular papers are submitted to the Communities and Housing Board in relation to a variety of community funds administered by the Council. These have historically included the Greenspaces Fund, Villages Investment Fund and Community Empowerment Fund and going forward the recently launched Sustainable Communities Fund. 3.2 The board noted in October 2023 that all of these funds are administered through the Policy and Partnerships service, and that going forward all applications and funding information would be provided through one single Community Funding board paper to the Communities and Housing Board each cycle to strengthen oversight of funding applications and information on awards for elected members. 3.3 This paper provides updated information and recommendations relating to the: • Greenspaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund • Villages Investment Fund • Sustainable Communities Fund
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___________________________________________________________________ 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 applications to the Sustainable Communities Fund be submitted to the Communities and Housing Board for final approval. 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 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 funding guidance sets out all related funding information and criteria, with projects required to evidence wider benefits such as: • community capacity building. • local natural spaces that support health and wellbeing. • community wealth building. • place-based investments to improve community spaces; and • small scale strategic climate projects. 4.5 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. 4.6 The Fund officially opened to applications on 10 October 2023, with a deadline for all round one applications to be submitted by 31st October 2023. The total initial value
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of grants requested in this round through all applications totalled £671,905.00, across 15 applications. 4.7 A cross-service panel of officers has been established to review and assess the applications against the agreed objectives and criteria outlined within the funding guidance. All recommendations are then submitted to the Communities and Housing Board for decision. 4.8 The Panel met several times in December and in early January to consider applications. Following assessment it is recommended that 6 applications be approved by the board in relation to: • Friends of Howwood Park • Inchinnan Development Trust LTD • Klas Care C.I.C • Western Desert Recce Group (WDRG) • Kustom Cruisers C.I.C. • St Catherine’s Primary School Parent Council 4.9 As this is a new funding programme, a number of 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: • Bishopton Tennis Club • Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust • Caledonia Bowling Club • Outspoken Arts • Kirklandneuk Growers Group • Renfrew Association of Growers Group • Brick Lane Music Studio • 7th Paisley & District Scout Group 4.10 Finally, following assessment by the officer panel, it is recommended that an application from ROAR in relation to the development of its footcare service be rejected as it does not meet the criteria set for this funding stream. This is a well- regarded local service and organisation, and officers will work with ROAR to identify alternative funding sources to support this project going forward. 4.11 Detailed information in relation to each application is provided in Appendix 1. Elected members will note that for some projects this will require the development of partnership agreements to be progressed with relevant community organisations should funding recommendations be agreed by the Board. 4.12 Subject to the approval of recommendations as set out in Appendix 1, £213,405 would be allocated to successful projects through Round 1 of the fund (£163,680 Capital and £49,725 Revenue). Of the total £213,405, £203,405 will be funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (£153,680 Capital and £49,725 Revenue).
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4.13 The next funding round will close on 31st January 2024, and officers will continue to work with all new applicants and deferred applicants to progress information and proposals proactively over the coming months. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund 5.1 The Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund has supported 57 community projects since October 2018. As previously agreed by members of the board, remaining Greenspaces funding has been divided into three streams: • General funding available to fund greenspace, parks and play areas improvements. • Funding to support school-based developments. • Funding to support Team Up to Clean Up developments. 5.2 The Fund currently has approximately £13,000 available to support community projects, a further £25,000 is available for school projects meeting the fund criteria, and £20,000 for Team Up to Clean Up volunteers and projects. 5.3 Elected members are asked to note that one project has been approved by the Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure under delegated authority since October 2023: • Todholm Primary School (Play & Grow Community Garden - £4,000) Team Up to Clean Up Fund – “Bin it to Win It” 5.4 In the last update paper to board on 31st October 2023, it was agreed that officers would explore the potential introduction of the Litter Lotto programme in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, with £7,000 to be allocated from Greenspaces funding subject to final due diligence checks being completed by officers. The project had operated in several local authorities with a particular focus on engagement with schools and young people across communities. 5.5 Further exploration of this concept has been undertaken and it is proposed that a local bespoke digital solution will be developed and designed for use with secondary school pupils. The development and operation of the initiative inhouse will allow this to be marketed and launched under the Team Up to Clean Up banner, and maximise prize funding available as part of the campaign. Under UK law, individuals under 18 are unable to win cash prizes, as such voucher prizes to encourage behavioural change are currently being considered. ___________________________________________________________________
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6. Villages Investment Fund 6.1 The Villages Investment Fund continues to support the villages in delivering innovative projects for local people. £252,000 remains available for village community groups to access through this funding stream. 6.2 Since the last update to board in October 2023, four Village Investment Fund projects, totalling £12,050, have been approved under delegated authority by the Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure: • Inchinnan Community Development Trust (Teucheen Wood Tree Maintenance - £5,000) • Elderslie Community Council (Christmas Fayre - £2,250) • Bee Happy Houston (spring/summer planting - £4,800) 6.3 In terms of wider updates, elected members are asked to note that the Helicopter Park (South Street, Houston) park installation took place across December. Installation was arranged to coincide with the #YouDecide project repairing the park’s access stairs and creating a new footpath leading visitors to the newly created, Green Space and community funded play area (pictured below). Facebook comments and engagement show this is a welcome addition to the village. 6.4 Three further applications have been received for consideration under the Villages Improvement fund in this cycle which are recommended for approval. Full detail on these projects is provided in Appendix 3. Name of organisation Name of project Funding recommended Local Energy Action Plan (LEAP) – Feel Good Festival £25,000 Kilbarchan Pipe Band Development and promotion of activities £20,000 Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Teen Shelter £11,289.90
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6.5 Following consideration, it is recommended that 2 further applications from Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust relating to their upcoming samba band, and a website promoting the village and its offerings do not progress to the next stage as initial assessment indicated these do not fully meet the funding criteria. Officers will continue to work with the organisation to signpost to alternative funding sources. 6.6 Discussions have taken place regarding potential upcoming applications from community groups below: • Langbank Swing Park Regeneration Group – Play Park surfacing. • Elderslie Community Council – Community Garden & Allotment 6.7 Reports will be brought back for the consideration of the Board in relation to these projects at future meetings of the Communities and Housing Policy Board. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – This paper recommends the allocation of £213,405 of funding from the Sustainable Communities Fund (£163,680 capital and £49,725 revenue). Appendix 2 details funding applications approved under delegated authority by the Director of Environment and Infrastructure from the Greenspaces fund and Villages Investment Fund totalling £4,000 and £12,050 respectively. Section 6 also sets out recommendations to approve 3 applications totalling £56289.90. £20,000 of Villages Investment funding recommended to support ongoing fund administration into 2024 and beyond. 2. HR & Organisational Development – £20,000 funding recommended to be allocated from the Villages Investment funding to support the continuation of the fund/staffing resource. 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 – none. 6. Information Technology – none. 7. Equality and Human Rights - the Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety – none. 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk – none. 11. Privacy Impact – none. 12. COSLA Policy Position – none. 13. 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.
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Appendix 1: Summary of applications with Officers recommendations ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: Sustainable Communities Fund Guidance Author: Laura McIntyre, Head of Policy and Partnerships
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Appendix 1 – Sustainable Communities Fund Applications Round 1 TABLE A - RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Funding Award Recommended Comments Friends of Howwood Park Funding application to support renovation of pavilion in Howwood Park for use by community as a park hub. This would include changing and toilet facilities which would be maintained and operated independently by the community organisation. Intermediate £25,000 £25,000 Pavilion subject to previous asset transfer Note – Shared Prosperity funding utilised INCHINNAN DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD Application to support development costs of proposals relating to provision of a synthetic pitch at India Tyres site. Funding will support costs of site investigation works and one off project management costs. Intermediate £24,725 £24,725 Land subject to previous asset transfer. Development work required to assess land conditions before progressing with proposals Note – Shared Prosperity funding utilised KLAS Care C.i.C Create a fully accessible pathway leading from the cycle area to the main path. Remove the overgrown bushes and re- planting trees and wild flowers and cover management costs and waste uplift. Intermediate £20,000 £20,000 Note – Shared Prosperity funding utilised Kustom Kruizers Funding to support development of project within Robertson Park. Individuals can bring their own bike that requires repairs, or they will be given their own pre-owned bike and will use this to learn the process of bike maintenance. Small £10,000 £10,000 St Catherine's Primary School Parent Council To develop and build a community garden and outdoor learning area for use by the students and parents/carers within St Small £8680 £8680 Panel note that the use of the garden will be promoted to ensure usage is
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Catherine's Primary school and the wider community maximized within existing opening hours Note – Shared Prosperity funding utilised Western Desert Recce Group Secure the building fabric of Whitehaugh Barracks from further deterioration caused by severe water penetration. Large £240,300 Capital - £100,000 Revenue - £25,000 Asset transfer complete with agreement in place. Fundraising and external funding applications to organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland in train. Panel recommend approval capped in line with funding guidance, and that a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Western Desert Recce Group should be developed as a requirement of the funding being allocated. Note – Shared Prosperity funding utilised TABLE B - RECOMMENDATION TO DEFER APPLICATION Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Funding Award Recommended Comments 7th Paisley & District J.N.I. Scout Group To provide modern, clean toilet facilities for activity centre users which are currently inadequate Small £10,000 n/a – Deferred application Officer Panel recommends further engagement with group on the extent to which the wider community could benefit if funding awarded for this purpose Bishopton Tennis Club To invest in floodlight provision to extend playing period and encourage activity across senior age groups Intermediate £24,000 n/a – Deferred application Officer Panel recommends further engagement with group on the extent to which the wider community could
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benefit if funding awarded for this purpose. Engagement also required to assess impact on existing community infrastructure / development plans across area. Brick Lane Music Academy To improve the space at the back of Brick Lane Studios by creating a community sensory studio and gardens for families. Intermediate £20,000 n/a – Deferred application Officer Panel recommends further engagement with group on the extent to which the wider community could benefit if funding awarded for this purpose. Caledonia Bowling Club The purpose of the project is to improve the Club's internal and external facilities to make these safer and more inclusive, including ramps and handrails, toilet facilities. Small £10,000 n/a – Deferred application Officer Panel recommends further engagement with group on the extent to which the wider community could benefit if funding awarded for this purpose as a membership organisation. Kirklandneuk Growers Group To establish plots for local tenants to grow plants, fruit and veg, whilst enhancing the area, provide relief and recovery towards mental health, and educating children on growing foods. Large £100,000 n/a – Deferred application Officer panel recommend that further engagement is undertaken with group before formal consideration of this application, including development of more detailed project plans and exploration of options for land use. Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Creation of an inclusive garden space where all villagers can meet and socialise. Improvement of local facilities and services, helping the community to become more self-reliant. Large £100k n/a – Deferred application Panel recommends further engagement with the group to understand costs and level of work required as part of funding application. There may be an opportunity to apply for match external funding in the future to support this project also. Outspoken Arts Scotland Limited The purpose of the project is to redevelop the former Allders department store to secure it for permanent use as a town centre art gallery and mixed arts, retail use. It requires major modifications and repairs to make it fully accessible. The funds requested are to develop a feasibility study to bring the asset into Intermediate £15,000 n/a – Deferred application Panel recommend further engagement with OA on this application, given ongoing discussions in relation to wider town centre developments and that the asset under consideration is currently privately owned.
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ownership of the charity to secure it permanently for the town. Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners Broadloan Community Gardens is a community-led project that aims to create a green and inclusive space that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, abilities, or background. Funding requested to cover salary of full time community gardener for one year Large £30,200 n/a – Deferred application Panel recommends further engagement with this group to clarify further information on the project and options for longer term sustainability TABLE C – RECOMMENDATION TO REJECT Name of organisation Project description Tier Grant Application Amount Funding Award Recommended Comments ROAR Provide a footcare service offering toenail trimming and general footcare. The funding would allow the group to develop/increase the capacity of the service by employing one dedicated member of staff and expand their clinics. Intermediate £25,000 - This service was recognised by the panel as being very valued by local people across communities, however the application did not meet the core funding criteria required for this fund in relation to infrastructure and climate. Recommended officers work with partners to support ROAR to identify alternative funding sources to support the development of capacity.
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Appendix 2 – Summary of funding ( Greenspaces and Villages Investment Fund) Approvals under delegated authority since October 2023 Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Project Funding proposed External Funding (or other Council funding) Todholm Primary Parent Council – Play and Grow Garden £4,000 n/a Villages Improvement Fund Project Funding proposed External Funding (or other Council funding) Inchinnan Community Development Trust (Teucheen Wood Tree Maintenance) £5,000 n/a Elderslie Community Council (Christmas Fayre) £2,500 n/a Bee Happy Houston £4,800 n/a
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Appendix 3 – Village Investment Funding recommendations January 2024 Name of organisation Project description Grant Application Amount Summary Local Energy Action Plan Feel Good Festival £25,000 LEAP has operated in Renfrewshire since 2013 as an environmental charity. LEAP Car Club offers sustainable transport options throughout the villages. In 2021 LEAP advanced their project to create LEAP Together which facilitates community projects. To date these projects have been based in Lochwinnoch; Lochwinnoch Community Larder which provides surplus food to around 13,000 local individuals, Diggin’ It, a community food growing project, and finally the Feel Good Festival. The festival, in its 3rd year, has proven to be a popular event with over 7,000 visitors attending. Community feedback demonstrates the well -attended, intergenerational family festival is being enjoyed by visitors from across the villages, Ayrshire and Glasgow. Free events such as “The Earth Beneath Our Feet” trail, dance and circus workshops, creative writing and Food Foraging walks, all have a good uptake. In 2024 LEAP Together aspire to deliver the Feel Good Festival throughout the year, with an increase in community events across the holiday months. Easter, Halloween etc. will also be marked with a specific focus. The funding applied for will increase their reach and the appeal of the festival by improved marketing, funding entertainers, venue hire, licenses and equipment. The group will fund staffing costs and further venue costs from external sources. Kilbarchan Pipe Band Development costs for pipe band / encourage new membership £20,000 The village of Kilbarchan is best known for its piping heritage, with Steeple Hall displaying a bronze statue of piper Habbie Simpson into its exterior. Kilbarchan Pipe Band carry this history throughout their events. They are often the main attraction at Kilbarchan’s annual Lilias Day Festival and Christmas light switch, the band further pipe the local P7’s to their school prom each summer. Kilbarchan Pipe Band represent their village at various Renfrewshire Armistice Day gatherings, Paisley’s MOD, Erskine Hospital veteran and St. Mirren events, and many more.
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New members are encouraged with a programme of free lessons in the local primary school. There are 110 registered band members who meet twice a week. The Band began a summer school in 2023 which was well-attended and generated an income. Then Band started to compete in 2022 and have been very successful. In 2024, they anticipate they will have 3 bands; an elite grade 3B, a novice band at Grade 4B and a street band for those who enjoy the band without the pressure of competing. With increased numbers and profile, Kilbarchan Pipe Band are looking to procure uniforms, they need a new drum, chanters for beginners, sticks, pads and pad stands. The Band will further have to fund raise and look to external sources for the remaining funds however, with a steady income, and well attended fund-raising events, the outstanding items will be purchased. A survey posted on various local community pages sought to consult views on Kilbarchan Pipe Band. The survey was responded to by 428 individuals and demonstrated overwhelming support. With 98% of respondents intimating the pipe band keeps Kilbarchan’s history alive and 96% enjoying having heard the band previously. Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Teen Shelter £11,289.90 Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust were successfully awarded £80,000 from the Green Spaces and Villages Improvement Fund in 2021.Environment and Infrastructure added to ensure an impressive play area was delivered for Lochwinnoch’s young people, targeted from toddlers to 12. Lochwinnoch Youth Club, operating from The Annex, carried out a consultation and identified the teenage group had not been catered for in the new park design. Working alongside LCDT, the Youth Club chose a shelter which they feel meets the needs of teenagers in the village. The group received an award of £2,700 from Renfrewshire’s Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as a foundation for the Teen Shelter. Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust will donate a further £300 from existing funds raised by the community for equipment.