URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6191

Decision Maker: Director of Public Health

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Public Health has approved total grant allocation of £400,000 from the Public Health Grant to Wirral CVS (charity number 1196584) (for the period 1 February 2026 – 31st January 2028) to deliver a borough wide Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) programme that strengthens community infrastructure, leadership and resident led action across all wards in Wirral, targeting investment in areas of greatest need. This funding decision is driven by Wirral’s 13-year track record of delivering ABCD and the need to protect and strengthen this established approach at a time of increasing inequality, pressure on statutory services and variable community capacity across the local Community, Voluntary and Faith Sector. Evidence on a national and local level shows that community-led preventative approaches improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help manage demand on public services through early intervention. Despite strong progress, underinvestment and short-term funding threaten the sustainability of community anchors, leadership development and resident led activity, risking the loss of trusted local organisations. This funding enables the Council to invest strategically in community capacity, ensure more equitable support across community and embed prevention, resilience and co-production as core elements of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Various options were explored including different financial models for investment and the option of not providing any additional investment. These options, although considered, are not recommended as this would risk delivery of local strategic priorities. Background Papers:   Wirral CVF Coming Together Plan: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fhealthwatchwirral.co.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F05%2FCVF-Coming-Together-Plan-V3.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK   Wirral Health and Wellbeing Strategy 209_healthandwellbeingstrategy_v9.pdf (wirralintelligenceservice.org)     Delegated Powers:   Part 3 Section C – Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers   The decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.

Date of Decision: January 29, 2026