This report seeks consideration of a proposal to re-invest windfall revenue savings back into the community for 2017/18.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve an allocation of £125,000 from the One-Off Fund to be used to award £5,000 to each of the community libraries highlighted in the report and that £100,000 be used to fund a 2017/18 Making a Difference Grants scheme, applying the criteria and timetable as set out in Annex A of the report.

The subject of the decision:

Following the success of the “Make a Difference Grants Fund” in 2015/16 and 2016/17, another opportunity had arisen to re-invest windfall savings back into the community for 2017/18.  This report sought approval for £25,000 of the proposed fund to be allocated to the five community libraries in Bedale, Easingwold, Great Ayton, Stokesley and Thirsk and that the remaining £100,000 be allocated to finance the 2017/18 Making a Difference Grants fund.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that this fund would invest in worthy local community projects which would help improve life in neighbourhoods and which would support the work of the voluntary sector.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves an allocation of £125,000 from the One-Off fund to be used as follows:-

(1)     £25,000 to award £5,000 to each of the community libraries as detailed within the report; and

(2)     £100,000 to fund a 2017/18 Making a Difference Grants scheme, applying the criteria and timetable as set out in Annex A of the report.