GRANTS AND DONATIONS POLICY
The Local Government Act 1972 allows the use of the ‘free resource’ for this purpose; the maximum amount available is determined externally each year and is an average figure per electorate.
There are restrictions upon the use of S137 funds namely:
- It is not to be used for a purpose which can be covered by any other lawful power which has been given to town/parish councils
- It is to be used in the interests of or to directly benefit the area or its inhabitants or part of it or of some of them, for example:
- to benefit the poor
- in the advancement of education in the form of support for a branch of study, equipment for games or health, a treat, scholarships and prizes
- to assist maintenance of a church, churchyard or church clock
- for facilities for recreation or leisure to improve the lives of citizens or for their need due to age, youth, infirmity, poverty or social or economic circumstances.
Amble Town Council currently uses this fund:
- to contribute to the operation of the Town Christmas Lights- a function which was traditionally that of the Council but which is presently being undertaken by an independent body
- to encourage physical and social activity and enhancement of the area by the distribution of Good Gardening and Allotment Awards
- to encourage endeavour by the presentation of a prize to students in local schools
- to promote the area and encourage good health by producing a Town Trail leaflet
- to inform citizens of its activities by producing a quarterly newsletter
- to make environmental improvements such as planting and seating
- to encourage respect and pride in our area and country by flying an appropriate flag on suitable occasions.
- by setting aside funds to be used towards community events and town projects
- by the administration of funds available to its citizens, on written application, for ventures which satisfy the criteria for which this money may be used
A separate account will be kept each financial year for audit purposes and to ensure the total amount spent does not exceed that allowed
This policy will be reviewed each year at the Annual meeting of the Council; any request by a Member for changes must be made in writing, stating the reasons, to all Members at least 4 weeks before this so that due consideration can be given.
GRANTS AND DONATIONS APPLICATIONS POLICY
- All applications must be submitted in writing
- Each application will be considered by the Finance Committee of the Council after the Clerk has determined its eligibility under the Grants and Donations Policy
- Any application for a sum in excess of £100 must be made using the grant and donation application form accompanied by the requested paperwork and any other relevant documents
- Requests for under £100 may be used for Revenue or Capital funding
- Requests for amounts in excess of £100 will normally be for Capital funding
- Exceptionally an application of over £100 towards Revenue funding may be considered by the full Council only where evidence supports the view that severe hardship or threat to the continuation of the venture, or a purpose of it, exists.
If granted, the funding will be for that year only with no further similar application allowed. Strong evidence is required to support any claim that viability will be achieved in the one year allowed. Close consideration of the bank balance and assets will be made.
- Any grant amount in excess of £1000 must be ratified by the full Council before payment is made
- Awards must be agreed in advance and cannot be made retrospectively.
- There will only be one award per group each year
10. The decision of the Council is final