Decision details

1.    The reports informs members of the Shadow Executive of the commitments for 2020/21 and 2021/22 that have been made by the four District Councils in the form of grants to voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs).

2.    It also highlights the importance of maintaining key relationships with strategic partners, particularly the VCSO / Not for Profit Sector and providing financial stability in the first years of the new council.

RESOLVED:

1.    To Note the importance of the VCSO sector as a core partner and, in consultation, continue to develop the VCSO / Not for Profit Sector Strategy for Buckinghamshire for consideration by the Cabinet in July 2020.

2.    Recognise the VCSO’s need for assurance specifically during the transition phase and support the continuation of the predecessor councils’ multi-year funding arrangements at a revised cost of £1,392,709 in 2020/21 and of £1,168,758 in 2021/22 as per the spending protocol.

3.    Conduct a review of Buckinghamshire Council’s financial support for the VCSO to ensure a planned and sustainable approach; report to the Cabinet funding streams which would include grants to VCS in Autumn 2020 with proposed terms of reference for the review and a detailed plan which includes any proposed grant extensions where appropriate.