Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting on 18 December 2014 and the minutes from the joint meeting of the Community Profile and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 2 February 2015.

That the minutes of both meetings be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 18 December 2014 and the minutes from the joint meeting of the Community Profile and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny and Lifelong Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 2 February 2015, were submitted.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of both meetings be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

(a)       That the work of Community Endowment Fund, and its work in Flintshire, continue to be supported by the Committee; and

(b)       That a further annual update be provided in 2016.

The Chair welcomed Mr Colin Evans, an Associate of the Community Endowment Fund and Mr Tom Barham from the Foundation to the meeting.

The Policy and Performance Manager explained the background to the report which was first considered at Community Profile and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October 2012.  At that time it was agreed that representatives from the Fund would be invited back on an annual basis to provide updates.

Colin Evans addressed the Committee and thanked Members for allowing them to present again at the meeting.  He was pleased to be able to provide Members with a positive picture of how the Fund was operating since its inception. 

During the first year of managing the Fund, some excellent initial grants had been made, alongside responsible, intelligent stewarding of the capital. This had seen the endowment grow whilst generating income from dividends and fixed interest to put towards future grant-making which enabled more money to be invested to help individuals and communities across Flintshire to flourish. 

Under the umbrella of the Flintshire Community Endowment Fund, two new Funds had been launched: Hawarden Trust for Sickness and Poverty Relief and the Dory Fund which was sparked by a private client with a successful Flintshire business who wanted to provide education bursaries to enable students to pursue excellence.

The Flintshire Community Endowment Fund was an excellent example of how philanthropy could bring benefits to individuals and communities in perpetuity.

The Fund was established in September 2013 and on transfer the value of the endowment was £178,998.  Controlled by specialist fund managers, the value of the assets at December 2014 stood at £184,682, a capital gain of 3.2% with a dividend income of £9,584; a total return to the Fund of 8.5%.

Flintshire Community Endowment Fund grants were awarded at an annual Grants Panel.  The input and knowledge of the panel members was invaluable and ensure that all grant decisions were made locally, informed by knowledge of local needs and priorities.  A summary and analysis of grant support provided by the Foundation to Flintshire based individuals and community groups was provided.

Councillor Ian Dunbar asked what the criteria was for applying for funding and how it was promoted.  Colin Evans explained the eight themes within the Fund.  However, at the moment, applications could only be considered for things relating to education themes as that was what the money had been donated for.  All education establishments in Flintshire had been made aware of the Fund and it was also promoted through the Flintshire Local Voluntary Council.  He added that the Community Endowment Fund had a website with the details of how to apply for funding and it was agreed that the Policy and Performance Manager would send a link to the application form to Members.

In response to a question from Councillor Brian Lloyd on risk, Colin Evans explained that the Fund would be a low / moderate risk.  It was managed by experienced fund managers who worked on forecasting into the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

That 2014/15 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

The Policy and Performance Manager introduced the 2014/15 Improvement Plan and the elements relevant to the Committee.  The report covered October to December 2014.  She advised that there was nothing of significance that required Members attention.

                        Councillors Ian Dunbar and Paul Shotton asked about possible funding for CCTV cameras in their wards which were due for replacement.  The Policy and Performance Manager explained that the funding referred to in the report was for carrying out a feasibility study.  The outcome of the analysis would be provided to Town and Community Councils who would be asked to consider decommissioning any CCTV cameras that were underutilised.

                        Councillor Brian Lloyd asked for details on ‘Eagle Eye’ which was a CCTV solution for monitoring multiple cameras.  The Policy and Performance Manager said she had no details of that system but would look into it and provide Councillor Lloyd with any information.  The Chair added that the Owl CCTV system had been rolled out to businesses in Flintshire.

RESOLVED:

That 2014/15 Improvement Plan Monitoring Report be received.

The Environment and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator introduced the Forward Work Programme.  She explained that the Police and Crime Commissioner had been invited to the meeting on 23 July and he had also been invited to attend County Council. 

                        Councillor Steele-Mortimer referred to the Task and Finish Group which had been established to look at the structure of Overview and Scrutiny Committees and said he felt it was not worthwhile to look too far ahead as changes to the structure could be made.                    

RESOLVED:

That the Forward Work Programme be noted.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.