Issue - meetings

The Chairman reported receipt of the above mentioned motion from Councillors Jeff Osborn and Peter Edge, worded as follows:

“This Council views with concern the manner in which the policy on voluntary sector group funding has been implemented. In particular two well regarded voluntary furniture recycling groups, in different parts of the county, have been poorly treated – the Burnbake Trust and Group 5. They have had all their Wiltshire Council funding withdrawn, with little or no consultation.

The consequence is that these organisations are now at risk of closure, with a loss of local community resilience and serious reputational damage to this Council. Council need to reconsider; discuss the matter further with all those involved and seek to salvage something practical from this drastic situation”.

To assist Council in its consideration of the above motion, a briefing note had been circulated.

In speaking to his motion primarily in respect of Group 5, Councillor Jeff Osborn referred to the comments made by the Chair of Group 5 earlier in the meeting. He stated that he remained concerned that there had not been adequate correspondence with the affected groups. Furthermore, he stated that it was a small group fully run by volunteers, who did not charge for the furniture they provided and that they provided a very valuable service to the community. He considered that the reduction in their grant had tarnished the Group’s reputation. He asked that relevant Lead Members visit the organisation to discuss the situation.

Councillor Laura Mayes, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services,  in her response focused on two key issues about consultation and what could be done to address the current situation. The Council had committed to making strategic savings for 2015/16 and that all Voluntary and Community Sector organisations had been advised by letter that the Council was looking to make cuts in this area of at least 10%. She apologised that Group 5 did not appear to have received its letter. The Council also wanted all voluntary organisations to be less reliant on the Council being their sole funders.

In relation to the Burnbake, the Council had provided initial set up and regular funding.  Burnbake had secured funds from  a number of sources including charitable trusts  and raised funds itself, leading them to build up significant reserves.

In relation to Group 5, Councillor Mayes explained that it received funding from Selwood Housing, Trowbridge Town Council , it did  not try to raise funds itself. She compared it to other similar organisations which made a small charge for their furniture as a way of generating some income and suggested it should try and undertake some fundraising measures. Furthermore, officers had offered to discuss these issues and would continue to offer assistance in Group 5 securing other sources of funding.

On being moved by the Chairman and seconded by the Chairman, it was

Resolved:

That Motion No. 19 be debated.

On opening the debate initially to Group Leaders, Councillor Jane Scott stated that some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41