URL: https://democracy.basingstoke.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=500000003

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Strategic Partner Contributions were introduced in 2023 following a review of the way in which the council funds community and voluntary sector organisations. They provide revenue core funding to support organisations providing specialist services that are integral to delivering and supporting Council Plan priorities. This report provides a summary of the process followed to review current Strategic Partner Contributions and seeks approval for the recommendations for funding allocations for individual organisations to start in April 2026.

Content: Strategic Partner Contributions were introduced in 2023 following a review of the way in which the council funds community and voluntary sector organisations. They provide revenue core funding to support organisations providing specialist services that are integral to delivering and supporting Council Plan priorities. This report provides a summary of the process followed to review current Strategic Partner Contributions and seeks approval for the recommendations for funding allocations for individual organisations to start in April 2026. The decision is:   Note the process undertaken to review the Strategic Partner Contributions for the community and voluntary sector as outlined in this report.   Agree the individual allocations for 2026 to 2028 as listed in the report, subject to approval of the proposed budgets by council on 26th February 2026.   Delegate authority to the relevant Head of Service to agree the priority objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each recipient organisation and formalise funding agreements.   Options considered and rejected:   Other options considered were in relation to the individual allocations. All current recipients have been subject to an increase in costs and reduction in the availability of other grants as well as being affected by the cost-of-living difficulties facing our residents. Reducing the total budget, or for any individual organisations would lead to a reduction in the services they could offer residents.   Summary and reasons for the decision:   This funding supports key organisations in delivering services and activities in support of council priorities. Withdrawing or reducing this funding would lead to a significant reduction in services.

Date of Decision: February 16, 2026