URL: https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1468

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Communities and Safety

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval for the award of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector Support Grant. The grant will be for a period of 3.5 years, covering 1October 2025 – 31 March 2029, with a minimum of £140,000 available for Year 1, and a minimum of £100,000 available per annum for future years.

Content: To seek approval for the award of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Sector Support Grant. The grant will be for a period of 3.5 years, covering 1October 2025 – 31 March 2029, with a minimum of £140,000 available for Year 1, and a minimum of £100,000 available per annum for future years. (1)       That the establishment of a VCFSE Support Grant be aproved, to provide monies to a VCFSE organisation to support the requirements of local VCFSE organisations in Trafford for a period of 3.5 years, commencing 1 October 2025, ending 31 March 2029.   (2)       That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources to finalise the grant arrangements with the recommended organisations, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Communities and Safety.   (3)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into any legal agreements necessary to implement the decision. To ensure that the VCFSE sector is supported in Trafford to help create a vibrant and resilient sector. Two alternative options are available.   Option 1 – VCFSE support is provided as a procurement activity and therefore not operate as a grant but as a tender exercise, aligned with a people’s contract. This is not recommended. As outlined, recommended best practice is to operate VCFSE support as a grant. Equally, a grant lends itself to a relational approach as opposed to a more transactional approach. VCFSE support is also not a local authority requirement or statutory service.   Option 2 – The Council does not seek to fund any VCFSE support projects. This is not recommended as it would harm the investment into the VCFSE sector and the ability of the sector to grow and thrive. This would therefore be at odds with the Our Trafford, Our Future Corporate Plan. This would also put Trafford at odds with other GM authorities. None.

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025