Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure
North Ayrshire Council · 23 January 2024
Back to Cabinet — 23 January 2024 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 23 January 2024 Cabinet Title: Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure Purpose: To determine applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Reviews the enclosed applications from the Garnock Valley, Irvine and Three Towns Locality Partnerships in line with CIF criteria; b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Beith Community Association SCIO; c) Approves the CIF application in regard to Garnock Valley Locality Partnership Working Group; d) Approves the CIF application in relation to BABCA; e) Approves the CIF application in relation to Fullarton Community Association; f) Approves the CIF application in relation to the Turning Point PEAR project; and g) Approves the CIF application in relation to Stevenston Community Council. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided a funding allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Local Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. In June 2021, Cabinet approved a further £1m top-up for the funding, with a further £2m added in November 2021. 1.2 Locality Partnerships have subsequently continued to work on their local action pans and are refining proposals for expenditure in line with their locally identified needs. It is a testament to the dedication of the Locality Partnerships and their community partners that proposals are now emerging to provide create approaches to addressing local challenges. 1.3 This report brings forward proposals which respond to the specific need of the local community, and which have been developed based on local circumstances and opportunities.
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2. Background 2.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified through Locality Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. A further £3m was added to the funding in 2021, to be distributed among Localities as follows: Locality Value of CIF from first funding allocation (2017-18) Expenditure to date Value of CIF from second funding allocation (June 2021) Value of CIF from third funding allocation (Nov 2021) Total balance available Irvine £754 000 £649, 969 £290 000 £580 000 £974 031 Kilwinning £286 000 £322 190 £120 000 £240 000 £323 810 Three Towns £598 000 £907 573 £240 000 £480 000 £410,427 Garnock Valley £390 000 £341 805 £150 000 £300 000 £498 195 North Coast £468 000 £429 066 £170 000 £340 000 £548 934 Arran £104 000 £125 079 £30 000 £60 000 £68 921 TOTAL £2 600 000 £2 775 682 £1 000 000 £2 000 000 £2 824 318 2.2 It was agreed that the CIF awards would range between £5,000 and £100,000 for the community organisations, as defined in the CIF guidance, in order to support proposals and projects that connect with: • The North Ayrshire Fair for All Strategy, with consideration for how applications contribute to community support for the cost-of-living crisis; • The Community Planning Partnership and Locality priorities; • North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities, and business objectives; and • The Community Wealth Building and Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategies; And will also: • Fulfil a compelling need and not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon requests) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project;
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• Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. 2.3 The proposal development and application process has been agreed as follows: • Locality Partnerships should continue to engage with their communities and stimulate interest in the CIF. Each Locality Partnership will then strategically access the applications, make links, and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form, which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. 2.4 The enclosed applications have been developed by community partners and North Ayrshire Council officers and are now recommended for approval by Cabinet. The proposals are as follows: 2.5 The Garnock Valley Locality Partnership The allocations and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Garnock Valley Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £840,000 Garnock Valley Men’s Shed - Project Initiation £28,000 Travel Needs Analysis £25,000 Geilsland Hall - Volunteering and Employability £45,000 Garnock Valley 20:20 Vision £15,000 Beith Community Development Trust - YOUth Lead £43,500 Garnock Valley Mens Shed - Heating System Replacement £20,000 Café Solace - Development Worker £49,723 Geilsland Courtyard Feasibility Study £15,582 Beith Playpark £100,000 Balance £498,195 2.6 Proposal: Beith Community Association SCIO £22,098.04 (see Appendix 1) 2.6.1 Beith Community Association (BCA) has operated Beith Community Centre since 1964 and aims to provide an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for the community. In recent years, they have restructured the Association into a more community-focused organisation, starting with the development of a community larder and removing many of the financial barriers to accessing classes and services within the centre, promoting social inclusion. In the past year they have revitalised their board and become a SCIO, with the intention of moving to community ownership of the Centre in the future.
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2.6.2 They are now developing a Community Hub which will provide a range of services and activities to encourage the community to come together in a safe and welcoming space. The Hub will create opportunities for people to share issues and develop support circles, enhance skills, access information & advice services and employment support as well as participate in a range of sport, leisure, fitness and wellbeing sessions and activities. 2.6.3 BCA have employed a part-time Development Manager, using their reserves, on a trial basis for 6 months. The funding requested will allow them to extend the contract of their part-time Development Manager, which they funded from reserves on a trial basis, to support BCA to ensure the sustainability of the project. The Manager will do this by sourcing additional funding and revenue streams, developing relationships with current and new partner organisations, and increasing the number of services and groups using the centre. The proposed role of part time Project Assistant will support the Development Manager with the day-to-day running of the services and activities, ensuring there is always someone on the ground engaging with the community. Both posts would be for a one-year period. 2.6.4 The project supports the priorities of the Garnock Valley Locality Partnership, in particular Work and Local Community through enhancing skills, bringing people together and creating volunteering opportunities, and Facilities and Amenities through making the Centre more accessible and encouraging participation. 2.7 Proposal: Garnock Valley Locality Partnership Working Group £45,200 (see Appendix 2) 2.7.1 The Working Group of the Garnock Valley Locality Partnership is a newly established group, led by a community representative, which brings together three previous working groups to address all three locality priorities of Facilities & Amenities, Moving Around, and Work & Local Community. It is led by a local community representative and includes local community members, locality partnership community representatives, and elected members. 2.7.2 Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a project was proposed to the Garnock Valley Locality Partnership aimed at enhancing the cultural and heritage aspects of the Garnock Valley. This consisted of three phases: a feasibility study, the recruitment of a development worker, and community engagement. The outcome of the feasibility study, the GV2023 report, was presented to the partnership in June 2023 detailing a list of projects which could be delivered, and they agreed at that point to progress with seeking funding for the further phases. The projects include short, medium and long-term ambitions for the area. 2.7.3 The current funding application represents a joint effort by the working group, North Ayrshire Council (NAC), and Beith Community Development Trust. The plan involves hiring a Development Worker for a two-year, part-time position to implement the recommendations of the feasibility study. This officer will work with local groups to develop and drive forward the initiatives identified in the GV2023 report, many of which are already being led by community organisations. Their role will include assisting in funding applications, project development and building the capacity of groups and volunteers to realise change. The initiatives identified in GV 2023 are: Garnock Valley 2023 Project List Strategic – Long-term, foundational projects crucial for setting the community’s social, economic, and environmental development and direction. 1 Establish a Garnock Valley Brand 2 Establish a GV Ecomusuem*
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3 Promote Active Communities Short – Quick, targeted initiatives that address immediate needs and provide fast, visible results. 1 Providing solar panels at Dalry Community Garden 2 Industrial Design at Stoneyholm Mill 3 Creating pop-up shops in Beith Medium – Bridges the gap between short-term successes and long-term goals, requiring more planning and resources 1 Repurposing St Margaret’s Church 2 Kilbirnie Music 3 Beith Craft Exhibition at Geilsland Estate Long – Ambitious efforts aimed at significant, transformative community changes over an extended period 1 River Reimagined 2 Beith Community Centre 3 Growing Dalry with Dalry Sports Club Ecomuseum (Definition) “a blend of outdoor and indoor interpretation to encourage people to engage with nature, heritage and culture within a landscape rather than solely within a museum or gallery setting.” 2.7.4 The Development Worker will be employed by Beith Community Development Trust and supported by the Locality CLD Team on behalf of the partnership. By its nature, the project supports collaborative working and the three priorities of the Locality Partnership. 2.8 The Irvine Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Irvine Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £1,624,000 Irvine Digital Officer £84,604 Vineburgh & Fullarton Community Enablers £100,000 Irvine New Town Mens Shed £10,000 Irvine Harbourside Mens Shed £10,000 Irvine Youth Hub £100,000 Irvine Tennis Club £100,000 INPUT £60,000 Children's 1st £97,580 CHAP £91,534 Balance £974,031 2.9 Proposal: Broomlands and Bourtreehill Community Association (BABCA) £12,777 (see Appendix 3) 2.9.1 BABCA were established in 1975 and manage Towerlands Community Centre and develop the Centre’s programme. They have an extensive track record of partnership
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working and running successful events. They are a registered charity and manage the Farm Basket Community Larder. 2.9.2 They are seeking funding to establish a community garden on ground outside the Community Centre. All permissions are in place and the garden project will engage with a wide range of partners, centre user and community groups, as well as providing produce to support the Larder and the affordable café in the Centre, addressing issues of food poverty. It will also provide volunteering and learning opportunities for community members. The funding will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the garden. 2.9.3 The proposal will help deliver all four of the Locality Partnership’s priorities, Supporting Skills and work opportunities, enhancing our mental health and wellbeing, Alleviating poverty and Championing Green Health and the Natural Environment, and engage a broad section of the community in the project in the process. 2.10 Proposal: Fullarton Community Association £100,000 (see Appendix 4) 2.10.1 Fullarton Community Association was formed in 1976. In 2013 they took ownership of the land from the North Ayrshire Council as part of a community asset transfer and revealed plans to raise funding to build a new community centre. The New Fullarton Community Hub was opened in 2017 and now employs 7 staff and delivers a range of vital services for the local community. They work alongside a range of partners to do so. 2.10.2 The Association are seeking funding for their Outdoor Gym Project and to provide match funding for their successful BIG Lottery bid for staffing and projects. 2.10.3 £33,000 will support the creation of the Outdoor Gym. This will provide a safe and inclusive environment for individuals in recovery to engage in physical activity as part of their rehabilitation journey, encourage young people to adopt healthy habits, reduce sedentary behaviour, improve overall fitness levels, and support residents of the local care home to remain active in a controlled, safe space. The remaining £67,000 will act as match funding to the £200,000 already secured from the National Lottery Community Fund – Building Stronger Communities Fund. This is a three-year project, and the CIF award will be part of the staffing costs in order that a wide range of events and activities relating to health and wellbeing can be delivered from the local community centre. 2.10.4 Both the Outdoor Gym and the work partly funded by the BIG lottery contribute to the four locality priorities of Supporting Skills and work opportunities, Enhancing our mental health and wellbeing, Alleviating poverty and Championing Green Health and the Natural Environment. In addition, they contribute to a range of other outcomes such as the National Youth Work outcomes and the key priorities identified by the Fullarton community itself. 2.11 Proposal: Turning Point PEAR Service £96,112 (see Appendix 5) 2.11.1 Turning Point Scotland is a national provider of social care services and a registered charity. This project is led by Turning Point Scotland in partnership with North Ayrshire ADP, Ayrshire College, Connected Communities, the DWP, and MINDs of Recovery. 2.11.2 The aim of the project is to develop a college course, delivered by Ayrshire College, for people in recovery from substance or alcohol use. It is based on a model which has
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been successful in South Ayrshire and addresses a gap in local employment support. This programme would support people to obtain an accredited qualification which could lead to further educational opportunities while also providing peer support. The funding would be used to employ a Peer Led Practitioner for two years, as well as associated costs for resources, room hire and national support costs. 2.11.3 The project is aimed at supporting residents of the Irvine locality and the focus of recruitment will be here. In order for Ayrshire College to be able to deliver the SQA courses, they need to have a cohort of 10 in each class. With this in mind, the course will be made available to residents across North Ayrshire in order to maximise the number of people benefitting and ensure the course is able to run, with Irvine residents being the priority for recruitment of learners. The programme will be located between Fullarton Hub in Irvine and the closest Ayrshire College campus in Kilwinning in order to facilitate this. 2.11.4 The project in particular addressed the locality priorities of supporting skills and work opportunities and enhancing our mental health and wellbeing, as well as address an identified gap in employability support. 2.12 The Three Towns Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Three Towns Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £1,318,000 Ardrossan Community Development Trust £25,000 Three Towns Growers £100,000 The Training Station £50,000 Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society £17,912 Raise Your Voice For Ardeer £100,000 Ardrossan Community Sports Hub £43,320 Winton Circus Playpark £48,288 Ardrossan Community Development Trust - Development Officer £53,100 Raise Your Voice For Ardeer – increased cost for multipurpose hub) £130,000 Ardrossan Community Association (Whitlees) £48,586 Ardrossan Community Sport - Winton Park 3G £100,000 CHAP – Advice Outreach £45,767 Ardrossan Scouts £100,000 Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Group (SALT) £45,600 Balance £410, 427
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2.13 Proposal: Stevenston Community Council £29,988 (see Appendix 6) 2.13.1 Stevenston Community Council is a non-charitable community association first formed in 2017. It has a duty to represent the residents of Stevenston. 2.13.2 The Community Council are seeking funding to provide useful direction signs, highlighting places of interest and community assets that are up to date and long-lasting. This includes a refreshed heritage trail and new nature reserve information boards highlighting the value of the biodiversity and variety of the town’s green spaces. These will help to enhance both visitors’ active travel navigation of the town and enhance the residents’ understanding of the under-promoted nature reserves and valuable green spaces. 2.13.3 The project will contribute to all three of the locality priorities, namely 1. Promoting the Local Economy and Tourism 2. Regenerating Community Facilities 3. Increasing Civic Pride and Community Engagement, Improving Community Wellbeing. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: a) Reviews the enclosed applications from the Garnock Valley, Irvine and Three Towns Locality Partnerships in line with CIF criteria; b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Beith Community Association SCIO; c) Approves the CIF application in regard to Garnock Valley Locality Partnership Working Group; d) Approves the CIF application in relation to BABCA; e) Approves the CIF application in relation to Fullarton Community Association; f) Approves the CIF application in relation to the Turning Point PEAR project; and g) Approves the CIF application in relation to Stevenston Community Council.
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4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 CIF funding is allocated within existing resources. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The purpose of Locality Planning is to reduce inequalities, increase community cohesion and advance community empowerment. Each of the CIF proposals is tested against that purpose before being presented to Cabinet. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 Environmental and sustainability along with Climate Change and Carbon issues are considered in relation to each CIF application. Key Priorities 4.6 The proposals contained within the report support the North Ayrshire Council Plan strategic aims: • To transition to a wellbeing economy, delivering prosperity, wellbeing and resilience for local people. • We will have active, inclusive, and resilient communities. • A Community Wealth Building Council that is efficient and accessible, maximising investment and focusing resources towards our priorities. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The applications support the following pillars of community wealth building: • Advancing community enterprises; • Advancing local ownership of underused land and buildings; • Making financial power work for local places; and • Supporting the local business activities and increasing the variety of ownership models. 5. Consultation 5.1 The proposals contained within this report have been developed by the Locality Partnerships, through consultation with local people, including young people.
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Audrey Sutton Executive Director (Communities and Education) For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on 01294 324415. Background Papers Appendix 1: CIF Application Beith Community Association SCIO Appendix 2: CIF Application Garnock Valley Locality Partnership Working Group Appendix 3: CIF Application Bourtreehill and Broomlands Community Association Appendix 4: CIF Application Fullarton Community Association Appendix 5: CIF Application Turning Point PEAR project Appendix 6: CIF Application Stevenston Community Council