Decision details

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member Housing recommending a process for awarding grants to voluntary organisations from 2013/14.

On 14th March 2011 Cabinet delegated authority to officers “to conduct a review of whether it would be more appropriate to move towards commissioning and purchasing some of the services that are currently grant aided”.

Following research into the grant making practice of other councils, Southampton City Council is undertaking 12 weeks consultation on how future grants can be allocated in a way that supports strategic priorities, avoids potential duplication, achieves best value and meets the needs of the residents of Southampton.

The formal consultation period closes on 3rd February 2012, when responses and representations made will be collated and a report subsequently submitted to Cabinet recommending a process for awarding grants to voluntary organisations from 2013/14.

(i)  To approve in principle, an outcome-based commissioned grants model to award longer term grants (2 or 3 years) from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations budget from 2013/14.

(ii)  To approve the annual publication of the value of “help in kind” contribution from the Council to the voluntary and community sector from 2013/14. 

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Economic Development, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to do anything necessary to give effect to the recommendations contained in this report.