Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were approved.
summary: The decision involves recommendations made by the Director for Communities.
topline: The Director for Communities has decided to approve recommendations.
reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to potential impact on local stakeholders and political considerations.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local communities", "Political parties"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are implications of political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.eastherts.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2887&J=1
Decision Maker: Director for Communities
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: Summary Award of £19,503 for grants using funds raised via East Herts Lottery. The grants are awarded to artists to support the running cost of taking part in Arts in East Herts 2026. Arts in East Herts is an annual showcase event run between September and October to encourage people who live, work and play in East Herts to engage with local arts offerings. Council approved the overall council budget at its meeting on 4th March 2026. This the use of £10,000 from the East Herts Council allocated for grants in 2025/26 which was brought forwards into 2026/27 and another allocation of £10,000 from the same source and for the same use in 2026/27. In combination, this gave £20,000 for grants in 2026/27. The Director for Communities is using the delegation in the Constitution at paragraph 10.13.23 'to devise and administer arrangements for distributing grants to improve the health and wellbeing of local people'. The Director for Communities chose to consult the Executive Member for Communities, Cllr Alex Daar, about the proposed grant allocations. Cllr Daar confirmed her agreement with the proposed grants, these being those with the highest scores using the predetermined assessment mechanism.
Content:
Date of Decision: August 12, 2026