URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1713

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: [Councillor Castle declared that he was a Parish Councillor for Littlebourne and left the chamber prior to the councillor discussions and vote in relation to this item]    Councillor Mike Sole, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report that details the Parish Council Capital Grant applications for 2026/27 and sets out options for the allocation of the available budget.     Clarification was provided where necessary and the discussion included the following points:    There was concern that future availability of similar funding may be uncertain under potential local government changes, although continuation is anticipated for the next two years.  Whilst some parish applications were unsuccessful those parishes may still bring forward proposals in future rounds.  Officers would write to applicants to explain decisions and reasons for any exclusions.  Changes to the scheme were outlined in the report and included the introduction of a funding cap for the next year to ensure a fairer distribution of resources.  It was confirmed that around £15,000 of the £20,000 allocation would be committed, with the remaining balance carried forward to 2027/2028.  Members queried whether there was a proactive approach to engaging parishes that have not applied previously, to support accessibility and encourage wider participation. It was confirmed that all parishes were contacted and encouraged to apply, although some may not have suitable projects ready to bring forward.  Applications are generally only rejected when they do not meet the scheme criteria, and that many applicants have successfully received funding in previous years.  Ongoing engagement with parish councils through existing parish charters, officer support, and regular communication was highlighted.  Support was offered to parishes by officers throughout the process, with ward councillors playing an important role in encouraging applications and the dissemination of information.  Appreciation was expressed for Alison Small, Senior Voluntary Sector Development Manager, with recognition of her efforts to ensure funds are fully allocated and accessible.      It was then proposed, seconded and when put to vote RESOLVED:    To fund top scoring applicants for projects that can be completed by the programme deadline of March 2027. Carry forward the remaining funding of £4,859 to 2027/28 and change the application criteria for 27/28 to cap applications at £5,000. It is also proposed that each parish may only submit one application per round. (Option 1)    Record of the voting:       For (8): Councillors Baldock, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Dawkins, Hazelton, Nolan, Ricketts and Sole   Against (0): None   Abstained (0): None  Absent for the vote (0): Councillor Castle   Reason for decision:   This option allows Officers to change the application process to enable the application form to cap the amount of funding that parishes can apply for in the future and enable a range of projects across more parishes.   

Date of Decision: April 20, 2026