Agenda Document Pack - Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee - 24/04/2024
South Lanarkshire Council · 24 April 2024
Back to Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee — 24 April 2024 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 16 April 2024 Dear Councillor Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 24 April 2024 Time: 14:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Carol Nugent (Chair), John Bradley (Depute Chair), Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Janine Calikes, Andrea Cowan, Margaret Cowie, Alistair Fulton, Martin Lennon, Katy Loudon, Norman Rae, Margaret B Walker 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee held on 7 February 2024 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 6 Item(s) for Noting 3 Education Scotland Report Report dated 3 April 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 7 - 12 4 Participatory Budgeting - Education Resources Report dated 3 April 2024 by the Executive Director (Education Resources). (Copy attached) 13 - 16 Item(s) for Decision 5 Can Do Community Challenge Fund Report dated 15 April 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 17 - 20 6 Community Grant Applications Report dated 3 April 2024 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 21 - 24 Urgent Business 7 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Pauline MacRae Clerk Telephone: 07385 370044 Clerk Email: pauline.macrae@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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CAMBUSLANG AND RUTHERGLEN AREA COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 7 February 2024 Chair: Councillor Carol Nugent Councillors Present: Councillor Walter Brogan, Councillor Robert Brown, Councillor Andrea Cowan, Councillor Margaret Cowie, Councillor Alistair Fulton, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Norman Rae Councillors' Apologies: Councillor John Bradley (Depute), Councillor Janine Calikes, Councillor Martin Lennon, Councillor Margaret B Walker Attending: Finance and Corporate Resources P MacRae, Administration Adviser; K McLeod, Administration Assistant; L O’Finance Manager (Strategy)Housing and Technical Resources C Frew, Strategy Co-ordinator; T O’Donnell, Area Housing Manager South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership/Social Work Resources A Grubb and E Lloyd, Operations Managers 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee held on 8 November 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Rutherglen Common Good Account - Update Report A report dated 10 January 2024 by the Chief Executive was submitted providing an update on the Rutherglen Common Good Fund. Common Good comprised a fund of money, assets or both which was administered by a Scottish local authority in respect of each former Burgh within the local authority area. Common Good property was owned by the local authority and administered separately from other local authority assets for accounting purposes. The Common Good funds held within South Lanarkshire Council were Lanark, Biggar, Hamilton and Rutherglen. Finance Services administered the Common Good Account and accounts were prepared on an annual basis, as part of the Council’s year end process. The position on the Rutherglen Common Good Fund at 31 March 2023 was detailed in Appendix 1 of the report which showed that the fund had cash balances amounting to £0.128 million. The Rutherglen Common Good Account held cash balances only and had no physical assets. As there were no assets to maintain, little expenditure was incurred by the Common Good Account. 2 3
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Decisions on the Common Good Account were taken by the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee. A report on the management of the Rutherglen Common Good Fund was provided annually to the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 5 October 2022 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Housing and Technical Resources’ Participatory Budgeting A report dated 23 January 2024 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) was submitted on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in relation to the Estate Improvement Budget and the Housing Investment Programme Environmental Programme. The Estate Improvement Budget totalled £40,000 and was split across the 4 housing divisions of South Lanarkshire. Each Local Housing Management Team could direct the funding towards projects or improvements highlighted as a priority by customers of Housing and Property Services. Although not of a significant value, the budget was ideally suited for conversion to a PB approach and funded a number of smaller projects which had been highlighted as a priority by customers. To date, a total of £9,398.81 had been spent from the Estate Improvement Budget for 2023/2024 on 4 projects which had been undertaken within the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area, as detailed in the report. The Environmental aspect of the Housing Investment Programme was a significant budget area covering a wide range of projects aimed to improve the quality and efficiency of the Council’s housing stock. Not all projects within this budget area were suitable for a PB approach, however, for those projects deemed suitable, officers would ensure the required element of choice and voting opportunities were offered to customers and appropriately recorded. To date, 3 environmental improvement PB projects were being delivered within the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area at Kirkriggs, Kirkconnell and Dunure Court Sheltered Housing Sites in Rutherglen. Officers from Housing and Technical Resources would continue to take forward opportunities within Cambuslang and Rutherglen to ensure tenants and other customers had the opportunity to determine the outcome of relevant budgets, with further updates provided to this Committee in due course. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 15 March 2023 (Paragraph 5)] Councillor Brown joined the meeting during consideration of the above item of business 5 Community Payback Order E Lloyd and A Grubb, Operations Managers, gave a presentation on Community Payback Orders (CPO), the most common requirement of which involved unpaid work for the benefit of the community. Details were given on:- general requirements and objectives of CPOs the type of work carried out in relation to CPOs within South Lanarkshire, including community, resource centre based, remote and partnership projects 4
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the Unpaid Work Service, based within the Auchentibber resource centre, Blantyre delivery of work and activities both in terms of hours and bespoke projects delivered support offered to individuals who had received a Community Payback Order specific projects delivered in the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the presentation be noted. 6 Community Grant Applications A report dated 21 January 2024 by the Chief Executive was submitted on applications for community grant. In view of the fact that this was the last meeting of the Committee in the current financial year and to allow best use to be made of the remaining 2023/2024 community grant budget, it was proposed that the Chief Executive or the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, be authorised to approve any further community grant applications meeting the relevant criteria in the period to 31 March 2024. Those grants awarded would be reported to a future meeting of the Committee for noting. The Committee decided: (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Cambuslang Bowling Club Ladies’ Section (CR/17/23) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, materials and outing Amount Awarded: £940 (b) Applicant: 1st Cathkin Brownies, Rutherglen (CR/18/23) Purpose of Grant: Entrance fees and materials Amount Awarded: £350 (c) Applicant: Resourceful Ramblers, Rutherglen (CR/22/23) Purpose of Grant: Specialist transport Amount Awarded: £1,000 (d) Applicant: Enable (Rutherglen and District Branch) (CR/23/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £1,000 (e) Applicant: Burnside in Bloom, Rutherglen (CR/24/23) Purpose of Grant: Environmental project Amount Awarded: £1,000 (f) Applicant: Burnside Community Council, Rutherglen (CR/25/23) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Amount Awarded: £1,000 (2) that, to ensure that the remaining 2023/2024 community grant budget was utilised as fully as possible, the Chief Executive or the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, be authorised to approve community grant applications in the period to 31 March 2024, subject to the applications meeting the Council’s criteria for the receipt of funding; and 5
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(3) that the details of those applications approved be reported to a future meeting for noting. 7 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 6
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee Date of Meeting: 24 April 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Education Resources) Subject: Education Scotland Report 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- advise of the outcome of the inspection of West Coats Primary School by Education Scotland inspectors 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the Education Scotland report on West Coats Primary School be noted. 3. Background 3.1. West Coats Primary School was inspected in January 2024 as part of a national sample of primary education. 3.2. As part of the revised approach to inspection, the Education Scotland inspectors evaluated learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement as part of their short inspection model. 3.3. The inspection team analysed questionnaires issued to a sample of parents, pupils and to all staff. Inspectors observed class lessons and interviewed groups of pupils, including the pupil council, and staff. Members of the inspection team also met parents and members of the local community. 3.4. The report by Education Scotland was published on 26 March 2024. 4. Finding of HM inspectors 4.1. Education Scotland made comment under the following headings: Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement 4.2. The particular strengths of the school were identified as follows:- Children experience very positive and nurturing relationships with adults and other children. This supports the inclusive learning environment where children know they are valued and are proud members of their school community 3 7
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The headteacher has led the staff team successfully to improve links with parents and the wider school community. This approach is impacting positively on attendance and the quality of children’s experiences Teachers have worked well with senior leaders to ensure children make better progress in their learning. This is leading to improved outcomes in writing and for children who require additional support with their learning 4.3. Education Scotland identified the following areas for continued improvement:- Continue to develop high-quality learning and teaching across the school. Ensure all children experience appropriate levels of challenge across the curriculum Build on approaches to checking the progress children make as they move through the school. Make effective use of the information gathered to plan learning that ensures all children make the best possible progress 4.4. Education Scotland is confident that the school will be able to take forward the areas for improvement and will make no more visits in connection with this report. 4.5. Additional inspection evidence can be accessed by clicking the following web link: West Coats Primary School, South Lanarkshire 26.03.24 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None 6. Financial Implications 6.1. None 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in the report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. There are no direct risks associated with this report which is provided for information only. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There is no requirement to carry out an assessment in terms of the proposals contained within this report. 9.2. The content of Education Scotland reports are shared with parents and discussed at Parent Council meetings. Carole McKenzie Executive Director (Education Resources) 3 April 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships 8
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Previous References None List of Background Papers Education Scotland Report of West Coats Primary School, 26 March 2024 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Anne Donaldson, Head of Education (Cambuslang/Rutherglen) Ext: 4468 (Tel: 01698 454452) E-mail: anne.donaldson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 9
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1 | West Coats Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8456127 © Crown Copyright 26 March 2024 Dear Parent/Carer In January 2024, a team of inspectors from Education Scotland visited West Coats Primary School. During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Children experience very positive and nurturing relationships with adults and other children. This supports the inclusive learning environment where children know they are valued and are proud members of their school community. • The headteacher has led the staff team successfully to improve links with parents and the wider school community. This approach is impacting positively on attendance and the quality of children’s experiences. • Teachers have worked well with senior leaders to ensure children make better progress in their learning. This is leading to improved outcomes in writing and for children who require additional support with their learning. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from South Lanarkshire Council. • Continue to develop high-quality learning and teaching across the school. Ensure all children experience appropriate levels of challenge across the curriculum. • Build on approaches to checking the progress children make as they move through the school. Make effective use of the information gathered to plan learning that ensures all children make the best possible progress. 3 11
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2 | West Coats Primary School, South Lanarkshire Council, 8456127 © Crown Copyright We gathered evidence to enable us to evaluate the school’s work using quality indicators from How good is our school? (4th edition). Quality indicators help schools, local authorities and inspectors to judge what is working well and what needs to be improved. Following the inspection of each school, the Scottish Government gathers details of our evaluations to keep track of how well Scottish schools are doing. Here are Education Scotland’s evaluations for West Coats Primary School Quality indicators Evaluation Learning, teaching and assessment good Raising attainment and achievement good Descriptions of the evaluations are available from: How good is our school? (4th edition), Appendix 3: The six-point scale A more detailed document called Summarised Inspection Findings (SIF) will be available on the Education Scotland website at: Details | Find an inspection report | Find an inspection report | Inspection and Review | Education Scotland What happens next? We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. South Lanarkshire Council will inform parents/carers about the school’s progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools. Marion Carlton HM Inspector 12
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Participatory Budgeting – Update for Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee April 2024 Service Area Education Lead Officer Maureen Farr Stage 1 : Pre Consultation : • What are we asking the public for their view on (what service is it / description etc)? • How much funding are we asking about? • Who are we asking, • How are we doing this ? • When are we doing this ? • When will we report back ? Progress update since last Area Committee Case Study: Following the consultation and voting process as reported at a previous Area Committee meeting, schools have progressed with their spend, to ensure the minimum 5% was spent in full by the end of March 2024. We are pleased to share Cathkin High School’s participatory budgeting work as an example of good practice (Appendix 1) within the Cambuslang and Rutherglen area. Over 200 pupils voted during the PB process and over 120 parents. To gather ideas for the vote, a PB group was established with 19 pupils across all year groups and 3 parents. This group generated 5 choices. The group was very much about supporting families affected by poverty with issues around the Cost of the School Day. Choices for spend included providing Nurture Trolleys around the school, resources for the school breakfast club, provision of healthy snacks at breaks and a stock of spare P.E kits. Nurture Trolleys won the vote for the second year in a row proving that the winning choice last year was one which truly supported the young people and families. It is hoped the trolleys will make the transition into school easier and bring down the cost of the school day. A further impact section will be added to this case study at the end of the academic year to show the benefit this activity has had for our most vulnerable learners. Next Steps: PB is now fully embedded in South Lanarkshire Council schools through the Pupil Equity Funding. Schools continue to allocate a minimum of 5% of their Pupil Equity Funding to be subject to PB year on year. Optional PB training is planned for August for schools who have new PB Leads or need a refresh. Stage 2 : Post Consultation • The outcome of the PB activity • What happens next ? • Further reporting requirements (eg required Committee approval) Following the voting, Education Resources will provide Area Committees with the following: - Summary Report of each school’s PB outcome (available late October/early November) and Local Authority and Area analysis report of this - Case studies of school activity, which has had particular impact/success (ongoing throughout the year) Education Resources will continue to support schools with implementation of this and monitor and track the impact of this activity. Findings will inform any future PB activity within Education Resources. Regular PB Updates and the highlighting of good practice will be communicated to schools via the Equity Hub and through our @SLCEquity Twitter handle. 4 13
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Appendix 1: 15
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee Date of Meeting: 24 April 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Can Do Community Challenge Fund Applications 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise the Area Committee members Can Do Community Challenge Fund applications for 2023/2024 provide details of the funding to approve across local community groups [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation:- [recs] (1) that the Can Do Community Challenge Fund application be awarded as set out in Appendix 1 of this report. 3. Background 3.1. The ‘Can Do Community Fund’ is a one-year Investment fund from South Lanarkshire Council for local communities that do not have access to Participatory Budgeting (PB) funds. This funding aims to address specific needs, and targets projects identified through consultation and engagement with local communities. Monies are not available in areas where a Neighbourhood Plan and associated PB funding is in place. 3.2. Community organisations, including Community Councils, had the opportunity to apply for grants up £10,000 to tackle identified issues within their areas, whether they require revenue, capital funding or a combination of both. The fund had a £200,000 limit for the whole of South Lanarkshire and was promoted during Community Meetings, online and in the South Lanarkshire View. 3.3. Scoring of applications was conducted by a panel within the Council’s Community Engagement Team that assessed each application based on their impact on Connect Council Plan Community and Environment priorities https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/15715/connect_council_plan_20 22-27_pdf. Amongst the other factors taken into consideration by scoring panel members were reach of activity and the depth of community engagement in project ideas. 3.4. To ensure Community organisations across all eligible localities had an equitable chance to complete the online application process, all applications were scored together after the close date of the fund on 31 January 2024. 5 17
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4. Application Approval 4.1. Area Committee members are asked to approve the approved application in Appendix 1. 4.2. A range of methods are being used to capture feedback from successful applicants and declined organisations were provided alternative funding options and capacity building support from Neighbourhood Development Officers and other Community Engagement Team members. 4.2. Further information on the applications is available to members on request. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications associated with this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The current position on Can Do Community Challenge Fund is as follows:- Total funding available: £200,000.00 Expressions of interest: £316,721 Funding approved: £200,000 Value of declined applications: £47,784 Value of ineligible or withdrawn applications: £68,939 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Other Implications 7.1. There are no risk issues associated with the content of this report. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. There are no Equality Impact Assessment or Consultation implications associated with this is report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 15 April 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware, and improving Fair, open and sustainable Priorities We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress, and improve 18
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Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Jen Kerr, Community Engagement Manager Email: Jennifer.Kerr1@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 19
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Appendix 1 Can Do Community Challenge Fund 2023-24 Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Awards EID No Applicant Amount requested Purpose of Grant Amount awarded 2205 Kirkhill Bowling Club £9,486.68 Energy Efficiency measures to support Community usage £9,486.68 Total Cambuslang and Rutherglen Awards £9,486.68 There were no eligible, unsuccessful applications for this area. 20
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee Date of Meeting: 24 April 2024 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Community Grant Applications 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] request approval for the allocation of 3 community grants from the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee 2024/2025 community grant budget advise on community grants applications meeting the relevant criteria approved by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, in the period from the last Area Committee on 7 February 2024 to the end of the financial year on 31 March 2024 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that a community grant be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Kirkhill Bowling Club, Cambuslang (CR/1/24) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, materials and environment project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £300 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £300 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (b) Applicant: Rutherglen Bowling Club (CR/2/24) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £360 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £300 Recommendation: £300 Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (c) Applicant: Flemington/Hallside Guild, Cambuslang (CR/3/24) Purpose of Grant: Outing and administration costs Identified Community Benefits: Focused on people and their needs Estimated Cost: £460 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £460 Recommendation: £340 6 21
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Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (2) that the action taken by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, to approve the award of community grants in the period from the last Area Committee to the end of the financially year 2023/2024 to the groups detailed in Appendix 1, to be noted. ecs] 3. Background 3.1. The Council operates a community grants scheme to support local constituted community groups and voluntary organisations. All applications require to be supported by a constitution, audited accounts or annual income and expenditure accounts, a bank statement, and confirmation that the group/organisation will adhere to the conditions of the grant award. Applications are invited continually throughout the year. 3.2. The main aims of the community grants scheme are to:- fund activities and projects which bring community benefit involve people in the community by bringing them together to enjoy educational, recreational, leisure and other community activities or to improve the local environment 3.3 Support can be provided for a range of activities including administration and publicity costs, purchase of equipment and materials, annual outings and entrance fees, start-up costs and special events. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. The current position of the community grants for the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee area in 2024/2025 is as follows:- Total allocation for Community Grants £25,750 Community grants allocated in this report £940 Remaining balance £24,810 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. The risk to the Council is that grant funding is not utilised for the purpose for which it was intended. This risk is mitigated by internal controls including audit procedures and conditions of grant agreement. 8. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 8.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 8.2. All the necessary consultation with the community groups has taken place. 22
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Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 3 April 2024 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent. We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places Caring, connected, sustainable communities Previous References Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee – 7 February 2024 List of Background Papers Individual application forms Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Geraldine Wilkinson, Clerical Assistant Ext: 4818 (Tel: 01698 454818) E-mail: geraldine.wilkinson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 23
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Appendix 1 Community grants approved by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) in consultation with the Chair, in the period from 7 February to 31 March 2024 (a) Applicant: Lightburn Elderly Association Project (CR/21/23) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Amount Awarded: £899 (b) Applicant: Rutherglen Bankhead Residents’ Association (CR/26/23) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £350 24