Agenda Document Pack - Hamilton Area Committee - 03/09/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 3 September 2025
Back to Hamilton Area Committee — 3 September 2025 and its agenda
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 26 August 2025 Dear Councillor Hamilton Area Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 03 September 2025 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 Allan Falconer (Chair), Mo Razzaq (Depute Chair), Andy Carmichael, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Maureen Devlin, Colin Dewar, Mary Donnelly, Celine Handibode, Graeme Horne, Martin Hose, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Gavin Keatt, Kenny McCreary, Lesley McDonald, Mark McGeever, Davie McLachlan, Richard Nelson, John Ross, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 4 June 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 8 Item(s) for Noting 3 Unpaid Work Presentation Presentation by C Borden, Fieldwork Manager (Children and Justice Services), Social Work Resources. 4 Annual Housing and Homelessness Update Report dated 26 August 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 9 - 14 5 Participatory Budgeting - Micro Grants Update Report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 15 - 16 6 Forward Programme for Future Meetings Report dated 18 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 17 - 20 Item(s) for Decision 7 Community Grant Applications Report dated 19 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources). (Copy attached) 21 - 24 Urgent Business 8 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Laura Cunningham Clerk Telephone: 07385 370044 Clerk Email: laura.cunningham2@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
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HAMILTON AREA COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 4 June 2025 Chair: Councillor Allan Falconer Councillors Present: Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Maureen Devlin, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Mary Donnelly, Councillor Celine Handibode, Councillor Graeme Horne, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Kenny McCreary, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Davie McLachlan, Councillor Richard Nelson, Councillor Mo Razzaq (Depute), Councillor John Ross, Councillor Bert Thomson, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Andy Carmichael, Councillor Mark McGeever Attending: Education Resources M Farr, Quality Lead Officer Supporting Families; F Leggate, Lead Officer; M Parker, Headteacher, Udston Primary School; N Thomas, Headteacher, Stonehouse Primary School Finance and Corporate Resources S McLeod, Administration Officer; L Wyllie, Administration Assistant Also Attending: Care and Repair Lanarkshire J Burgess, Chief Executive Scottish Fire and Rescue Service G Cairns, Station Commander; W Wilkinson, Station Commander 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Hamilton Area Committee held on 19 March 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. Councillor Nelson joined the meeting during this item of business 3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - 2024/2025 Annual Performance and Activity Report W Wilkinson, Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) gave a presentation on the 2024/2025 Annual Performance and Activity Report for the Hamilton Area Committee area. 2 3
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The presentation provided performance information covering the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, with a comparison against the same period from the previous year. Information was provided on:- ♦ accidental dwelling fires (ADFs) ♦ accidental dwelling fire casualties ♦ non-fire casualties ♦ deliberate fires ♦ non-domestic fires ♦ unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS) ♦ road traffic collisions (RTCs) ♦ home fire safety visits (HFSVs) ♦ fire safety enforcement ♦ community safety and engagement W Wilkinson, having responded to members’ questions, was thanked for his informative presentation. The Committee decided: that the presentation be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 15 May 2024 (Paragraph 3)] 4 Education Scotland – Udston Primary School, Hamilton A report dated 19 May 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on the outcome of the inspection of Udston Primary School made by Education Scotland. The inspection had taken place in January 2025 as part of a national sample of primary education and the inspection letter reporting on the findings had been published on 4 March 2025. A number of particular strengths of the school had been highlighted in the inspection letter. The areas for improvement, agreed with the school and education authority, had been incorporated into the school’s improvement plan and parents would be informed of progress. Education Scotland had intimated that they would make no further visits in connection with this inspection. F Leggate, Lead Officer and M Parker, Headteacher, Udston Primary School, having spoken on key aspects of the report, were congratulated on the positive inspection report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 5 Participatory Budgeting - Education Resources A report dated 15 May 2025 by the Interim Executive Director (Education Resources) was submitted on Participatory Budgeting (PB) in relation to Pupil Equity Funding (PEF). The process of PB in South Lanarkshire schools continued as core business following the same system and processes as in previous years. Schools within the Hamilton area had collectively allocated £228,146.25 (approximately 6%) of their £3,656,910 PEF allocation for PB. Appendix 1 to the report outlined the percentage of PEF allocation that individual schools had allocated for PB and the outcome of their consultation with pupils, parents and staff. 4
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As an example of good practice, the PB work undertaken by Stonehouse Primary School was attached as Appendix 2 to the report. The case study illustrated the school’s PB journey for 2024/2025 and the impact the project had on the life of the school. PB was now fully embedded into schools within South Lanarkshire through PEF and schools would continue to allocate a minimum of 5% of the PEF to be subjected to PB year on year. M Farr, Quality Lead Officer Supporting Families and N Thomas, Headteacher, Stonehouse Primary School responded to members’ questions on the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 15 May 2024 (Paragraph 5)] 6 Care and Repair Lanarkshire Presentation J Burgess, Chief Executive, Care and Repair Lanarkshire gave a presentation on:- ♦ the background of Care and Repair in Lanarkshire, including the team, clients and aims of the service ♦ the number of home visits completed since 2018 ♦ funding ♦ current and other projects ♦ projects commenced in 2025 J Burgess, having responded to members’ questions, was thanked for his informative presentation. The Committee decided: that the presentation be noted. Councillor McLachlan left the meeting during this item of business 7 Forward Programme for Future Meetings A report dated 20 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted:- ♦ advising members of the forward programme for the meetings of the Hamilton Area Committee to 29 April 2026 ♦ inviting members to suggest topics for inclusion in the Committee’s forward programme Following discussion with the Chairs of the 4 Area Committees, it had been agreed that a list of items proposed for consideration at subsequent meetings would be provided to afford an opportunity for members to inform future agendas. The outline forward programme for Hamilton Area Committee to 29 April 2026 was attached as an appendix to the report. There followed a discussion during which a member suggested the following future agenda items:- ♦ update on works at the gypsy/traveller site in Larkhall and engagement with the gypsy traveller community ♦ violence against women and girls/safety for females The Committee decided: that the report be noted. 5
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8 Playscheme Grant Applications 2025/2026 A report dated 22 April 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on applications for playscheme grant for 2025/2026. The playscheme funding would allow an allocation of £660 to be made to playschemes that operated over the summer, October and Easter holiday periods with £440 for the summer period only and £110 for each of the October and Easter periods. The Committee decided: that playscheme grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Childcare in the Community, Hamilton (PS/HA/1/25) Amount Awarded: £440 (b) Applicant: Members of Scotland’s Autism Informed Community (MOSAIC), Hamilton (PS/HA/2/25) Amount Awarded: £660 [Reference: Minutes of 15 May 2024 (Paragraph 7)] 9 Community Grant Applications A report dated 20 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted on:- ♦ 11 applications for community grant to be met from the 2025/2026 budget ♦ 4 community grant applications which had been dealt with by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, during the period 20 March to 31 March 2025 to ensure that the 2024/2025 budget was utilised as fully as possible There followed a discussion during which members debated the amounts that should be allocated for community grants. Following discussion, Councillor Falconer, seconded by Councillor Razzaq, moved that the recommendations for the community grants, as detailed at section 2.1 of the report, be approved. Councillor Dewar, seconded by Councillor Toner, moved as an amendment that the total eligible amounts applied for up to a maximum of £1,000, rather than the officer’s recommendations, be approved. On a vote being taken using the electronic voting system, 8 members voted for the amendment and 10 for the motion which was declared carried. The Committee decided: (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Eddlewood Bowling Club Ladies’ Section, Hamilton (HA/1/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £300 (b) Applicant: Larkhall New Parish Church Guild Outings Fund (HA/2/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £350 (c) Applicant: Hamilton South Townswomen’s Guild (HA/3/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £300 6
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(d) Applicant: Earnock Residents’ Association, Hamilton (HA/5/25) Purpose of Grant: Administration and publicity costs Amount Awarded: £150 (e) Applicant: Little Blue Suicide Prevention Lanarkshire (HA/6/25) Purpose of Grant: Start-up costs - materials Amount Awarded: £300 (f) Applicant: Bothwell Horticultural Society (HA/7/25) Purpose of Grant: Publicity costs, materials, outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £615 (g) Applicant: Dalserf Church Guild, Larkhall (HA/8/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £350 (h) Applicant: The Art Room, Hamilton (HA/9/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing and materials Amount Awarded: £345 (i) Applicant: Larkhall Burns Club (HA/10/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £350 (j) Applicant: Hillhouse Parish Church Men’s Club, Hamilton (HA/11/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing and entrance fees Amount Awarded: £200 (k) Applicant: Hamilton South Guilds Together (HA/12/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Amount Awarded: £300 (2) that the action taken during the period 20 March to 31 March 2025 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources), in consultation with the Chair, to approve the award of community grants from the 2024/2025 budget be noted:- (a) Applicant: Raploch Elderly Lunch Club, Larkhall (HA/32/24) Purpose of Grant: Outing and stationery Amount Awarded: £330 (b) Applicant: Quarter Primary PTA and Parent Council (HA/34/24) Purpose of Grant: Equipment Amount Awarded: £225 (c) Applicant: Quarter in Bloom (HA/35/24) Purpose of Grant: Environmental project Amount Awarded: £600 (d) Applicant: Sharpe and Gentles Fly Tying and Fishing Club, Hamilton (HA/36/24) Purpose of Grant: Entrance fees and materials Amount Awarded: £370 [Reference: Minutes of 19 March 2025 (Paragraph 8)] 7
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10 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 8
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) Subject: Annual Housing and Homelessness Update 2024/2025 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an annual housing and homelessness update for 2024/2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the overview of key housing and homelessness service activity across the Hamilton Area Committee area in 2024/2025, be noted. [1purpose] 3. Background 3.1. South Lanarkshire Council declared a Housing Emergency on 12 June 2024 in response to a significant and sustained increase in demand for homelessness services. Between 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 the Council has experienced a:- 28% increase in the number of people applying to the Council for assistance due to homelessness 38% increase in the number of people recorded by the Council as homeless 101% increase in the backlog of urgent need homeless households awaiting housing 3.2. This report sets out key information on housing and homelessness in the Hamilton division, including:- Current stock profile and increasing supply Allocations and lets Rent management Homelessness 4. Stock Profile 4.1. As of 31 March 2025, South Lanarkshire Council owns 10,132 residential properties in the Hamilton division. This represents 39% of the Council’s total housing stock, which is currently 25,974 residential properties. 4.2. The table below shows the breakdown of properties across the ‘Mainstream’, ‘Amenity’, and ‘Sheltered’ categories. 4 9
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Mainstream Amenity Sheltered Total Hamilton 9,563 (94%) 153 (2%) 416 (4%) 10,132 (100%) 4.3. In relation to the size of homes the Council provides across the Hamilton division, the table below illustrates the proportion by number of bedrooms. Number of bedrooms Number of properties % of stock 0 5 <1%% 1 2,343 23% 2 5,224 51% 3 2,232 22% 4 325 3% 6 1 <1% 8 2 <1% Total 10,132 100% 4.4. As of March 2025, 157 properties in the Hamilton division were void, representing 1.5% of the total housing stock in the division, and 41% of all voids across South Lanarkshire. Work continues to ensure that voids are returned and ready to let as soon as possible. 4.5. Through the Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme, work is underway to increase the number of council homes available across the Hamilton division. During 2024/2025, 50 new council homes were built at Brackenhill Farm in Hamilton. This added eight 1-bedroom properties, nineteen 2-bedroom properties, eighteen 3- bedroom properties, and five 4-bedroom properties to the stock in the division. 4.6. In addition, 20 existing homes were purchased through the Market Purchase Scheme, helping to meet identified need in priority areas. These acquisitions added four 1-bedroom properties, eleven 2-bedroom properties, four 3-bedroom properties, and one 4-bedroom property to the stock in the division. 4.7. Further sites for development in the area will be included in the annual update of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, with the next update scheduled for Housing and Technical Resources Committee in December 2025. 5. Allocations and Lets 5.1. During 2024/2025 there were 664 council housing lets in the Hamilton division, accounting for 34% of all lets in South Lanarkshire. 5.2. The table below shows the breakdown of lets across the division by the size of the property:- Number of Bedrooms Number of Lets % of Lets 1 238 36% 2 314 47% 3 94 14% 4 18 3% Total 664 100% 5.3. The average number of days to let properties in the Hamilton division was 24.35 days, which is higher than the South Lanarkshire average of 18.87 days. However, this exceeds the target set of 26 days. 10
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5.4. Performance in relation to allocations and lets, alongside stock provision and letting targets is reported to Housing and Technical Resources Committee as part of the annual updates to the Local Letting Plans. 6. Rent Management 6.1. Through its rent management approach, Housing Services aims to maximise rent collection performance. 99.86% of rent due in the Hamilton division was collected during 2024/2025, which is slightly lower than the South Lanarkshire total of 100.21%. 6.2. Gross rent arrears, including current and former tenants in the Hamilton division, was 8.09%, higher than the South Lanarkshire total of 7.10% but exceeded the target set of 8.9%. Overall, the Hamilton division experienced a reduction in gross rent arrears of 1.26% from the previous financial year. 6.3. During 2024/2025, there were 10 instances of eviction for rent arrears, managed through the local housing office. 6.4. Performance in relation to rent management is reported twice per year to Housing and Technical Resources Committee through the Resource Plan, and annually to the Scottish Housing Regulator through the Scottish Social Housing Charter. 7. Homelessness 7.1. During 2024/2025 there were 947 homelessness presentations in the Hamilton division, accounting for 38% of the South Lanarkshire total of 2,467. 7.2. As of 31 March 2025, the number of households awaiting their offer of housing in the Hamilton division was 663, accounting for 43% of the South Lanarkshire total of 1,543. This is a 4% reduction in the number of homeless households awaiting their offer of housing as of 31 March 2024. 7.3. As of the same period, there were 350 households in temporary accommodation in the Hamilton division, accounting for 44% of the South Lanarkshire total of 798 households. Of the 350 households, 105 contain a total of 176 dependent children. This represents 40% of the 441 children in temporary accommodation across South Lanarkshire at year end. 7.4. During 2024/2025, the average time to close a homelessness case in the Hamilton division was 333 days. This is 17% higher than the South Lanarkshire average of 285 days. 7.5. During 2024/2025, the repeat homelessness rate in the Hamilton division (measured as a homelessness application being made within one year of the previous one closing) was 3.8%. This is 17% lower than the repeat homelessness rate for the whole of South Lanarkshire of 4.6%. 7.6. During 2024/2025, 92.1% of households sustained their tenancy for more than 12 months following a period of homelessness, which is higher than the South Lanarkshire tenancy sustainment rate for homeless households of 91.3%. Support to assist tenants in sustaining their tenancy is provided by the Local Housing Office, including through the use of the dedicated Tenancy Sustainment Fund. 11
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8. Next Steps 8.1. Housing Services will continue to manage their housing stock and support tenants to sustain their tenancies across the Hamilton division. Updates on performance across the services will be reported to Housing and Technical Resources Committee. 8.2. The next annual housing and homelessness update will be provided to the Hamilton Area Committee in September 2026. 9. Employee Implications 9.1. There are no implications for employees arising from the information presented in this report. 10. Financial Implications 10.1. There are no financial implications arising from the information presented in this report. 11. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 11.1. There are no climate change or environmental implications as a result of this report. 12. Other Implications 12.1. There are no implications arising from the information presented in this report. 13. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 13.1. 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. 13.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Sharon Egan Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) 26 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs 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 Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities 12
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Previous References South Lanarkshire Council - 12 June 2024 List of Background Papers Blantyre Local Letting Plan Hamilton Local Letting Plan Larkhall Local Letting Plan South Lanarkshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025-2030 South Lanarkshire Homelessness Strategic Plan Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- David Edgar, Area Housing Manager E-mail: David.Edgar@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 13
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Participatory Budgeting (PB) – Update for Area Committee Service Area Hamilton Area Committee area Lead Officer Kenny Lean 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? Stage 2: Post Consultation • The outcome of the PB activity • What happens next? • Further reporting requirements (e.g. required Committee approval) At the Executive Committee on 21 November 2018 a series of amendments to the Renewable Energy Fund were approved. One of these was the introduction of a micro grant fund in 2019/2020 of up to £5,000 per annum available to Community Councils or equivalent approved community organisations to award and administer small grants of up to £500 locally. This was established for an initial 2-year period and at the Community and Enterprise Committee of 16 February 2021 it was agreed to continue the micro grants after 2020/2021. In 2024/2025 the following awards were made to Community Councils in Hamilton and reported to the Community and Enterprise Committee in May 2025 as part of the annual Renewable Energy Fund report. In the year 2024/2025 a total of 7 Community Councils (CC) were awarded grants to administer at a total value of £33,500 they are listed below. 5 15
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Blantyre CC £4,940 Bothwell CC £5,000 Burnside CC £3,560 Earnock Residents Association £5,000 Hillhouse - Supporting Our Community* £5,000 Larkhall CC £5,000 Uddingston CC £5,000 Total £33,500 The 2025/2026 awards to Community Councils are currently being processed and paid to each individual Community Council to administer as they submit the required evidence which includes, a list of grants made in 2024/2025, evidence through the bank account for spend in 2024/2025 and declaration of any conflicts of interests. At the start of July, 5 Community Councils had been awarded grants to administer totalling £22,142 they are listed below. Blantyre CC £5,000 Bothwell CC £5,000 Burnside CC £4,642 Hillhouse - Supporting Our Community* £2,500 Larkhall CC £5,000 Total £22,142 . 16
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) Subject: Forward Programme for Future Meetings 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise members of the forward programme for the meetings of the Hamilton Area Committee to 24 June 2026 invite members to suggest topics for inclusion in the Committee’s forward programme [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the report and the outline forward programme for the meetings of the Hamilton Area Committee to 24 June 2026, attached as an appendix to the report, be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Following discussion with the Chairs of the 4 Area Committees, it was agreed that a list of items proposed for consideration at subsequent meetings be provided to afford an opportunity for members to inform future agendas. The outline forward programme for Hamilton Area Committee to 24 June 2026 is attached, for members’ information, as an appendix to the report. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. There are no financial implications. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no Climate Change, Sustainability or Environmental implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 7. Other Implications 7.1. There are no risk implications in terms of the information contained within this report. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. The 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. 6 17
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8.2. There was no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 18 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, Effective, Efficient and Transparent 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:- Laura Cunningham, Administration Officer Tel: 07385 370 044 E-mail: laura.cunningham2@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 18
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APPENDIX HAMILTON AREA COMMITTEE OUTLINE FORWARD PROGRAMME Meeting Date Item Responsibility 12 November 2025 Police Scotland Presentation Police Scotland Community Engagement Update Chief Executive’s Service Community Asset Transfer Update Housing and Technical Resources Community Grants Finance and Corporate Resources 11 February 2026 Routes to Work South (RTWS) Presentation Community and Enterprise Resources and RTWS Common Good Update Finance and Corporate Resources Community Grants Finance and Corporate Resources 29 April 2026 South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) Update SLLC Community Grants Finance and Corporate Resources 24 June 2026 Playscheme Grants Finance and Corporate Resources Community Grants Finance and Corporate Resources Note:- Education Scotland Inspection Reports will come to Committee as and when they are available 19
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. Report Agenda Item Report to: Hamilton Area Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 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 community grants to 8 community groups in the Hamilton Area Committee area from the 2025/2026 community grant budget 2025 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that community grants be awarded as follows:- (a) Applicant: Larkhall Avondale Amateur Swimming (HA/13/25) Purpose of Grant: Entrance fees Identified Community Benefits: Our children and young people thrive Estimated Cost: £2,150 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £1,000 Recommendation: £300 (sporting group) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (b) Applicant: Strutherhill Lunch and Social Club, Larkhall (HA/14/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £300 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £300 Recommendation: £300 (outing) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (c) Applicant: Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra, Blantyre (HA/15/25) Purpose of Grant: Equipment, administration and publicity costs Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £950 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £950 Recommendation: £570 (60% of eligible grant) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee 7 21
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(d) Applicant: Scotland Malayalee Association, Larkhall (HA/17/25) Purpose of Grant: Administration, publicity costs and outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £950 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £950 Recommendation: £630 (£300 outing and 60% of £550) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (e) Applicant: Hamilton Ramblers Club (HA/18/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £400 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £400 Recommendation: £300 (outing/sporting group) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (f) Applicant: Hamilton Bowling Club (HA/19/25) Purpose of Grant: Outing Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £350 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £300 Recommendation: £300 (bowling club/outing) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (g) Applicant: Quarter Community Hub (HA/21/25) Purpose of Grant: Environmental Project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £1,000 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £1,000 Recommendation: £600 (60% of £1000) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee (h) Applicant: Clutha Archaeology Group, Hamilton (HA/22/25) Purpose of Grant: Environmental Project Identified Community Benefits: People live the healthiest lives possible Estimated Cost: £205 Total Eligible Grant Applied for: £205 Recommendation: £125 (60% of £205 rounded up) Amount Awarded: To be determined by the Committee 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 22
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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 for the Hamilton Area Committee area in 2025/2026 is as follows: - Total allocation for Community Grants £25,750 Community grants previously allocated £4,660 Community grants allocated in this report £3,125 Remaining balance £17,965 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 of which it was intended. This risk is mitigated by internal controls including audit procedures and conditions of grant agreement. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 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. Jackie Taylor Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) 19 August 2025 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 Hamilton Area Committee – 4 June 2025 List of Background Papers Individual application forms 23
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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 24