Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment.

The Committee received a case study report on the impact of The Gateshead Fund and in particular the allocation of the Gateshead Funding during 2015/16 to support, develop and build capacity in the voluntary and community sector.

It was noted that the interactive presentation will also be made available to Councillors outside of the meeting and that more detailed financial data is available on request.

The Committee praised the reporting of the impact of the Gateshead Fund and were pleased to note a focus on support to grass roots and small organisations.

It was commented that it is often relatively small contributions that deliver a great dividend.

The Committee agreed the importance of being able to provide smaller funds to support activities undertaken by volunteers such as litter picks and not just formal groups.

It was also commented that the activities operated by the Older Peoples Assembly have transformed Deckham Community Centre and the local community.

It was queried whether the local history projects that have been supported by the Council could be collated and details published online. It was also said that the professional input of the Library Service into many of these projects should be acknowledged.

It was commented that in previous funding years the Councillors in Wardley and Leam Lane have helped support over 450 cadets in the Durham Army Cadet Force using the Local Community Fund. This was cited as a good project that could be considered for funding in future years as children from various wards in Gateshead participate in the annual camp.

RESOLVED:               i)          That the Committee praised the overall impact of the

Gateshead Fund.