*RESOLVED –

1.   That the section 137 grant to Chesterfield and District Shopmobility be ceased from the financial year 2023/24.

2.   That a section 137 grant of £9,531 be allocated to Chesterfield and District Shopmobility for the financial year 2022/23, subject to evidence of Shopmobility progressing the development of a self-funding/alternative funding plan and engaging with Links CVS and the Council in applying for alternative funding sources.

3.   That a taper to the section 137 grant for the financial year 2022/23 be applied. The grant funding will be:

·        Quarter 1 (April 2022 – June 2022) 100% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £5,447

·        Quarter 2 (July 2022 – September 2022) 50% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £2,723

·        Quarter 3 (October 2022 – December 2022) 25% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £1,361

·        Quarter 4 (January 2023 – March 2023) 0% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £0

REASON FOR DECISIONS

1.   To respond to the challenging financial position of the Council and providing value for money services.

2.   To facilitate a managed and steady withdrawal of funding, which will enable Shopmobility to continue to work with Links CVS and Chesterfield Borough Council officers to develop an alternative funding plan and begin its implementation.

The Service Director – Corporate presented a report seeking approval to cease the section 137 grant to Chesterfield and District Shopmobility from the start of the financial year 2023/24.

In 2018, the council began discussions with Shopmobility over the need for the charity to develop a self-funding / alternative funding strategy.

The council had allocated an officer to work with Shopmobility and Links CVS to identify potential external funding streams. A range of  opportunities had been identified with Links CVS offering to assist Shopmobility with their applications.

The council would continue to work in support of Shopmobility, but on the basis of the charity not having taken advantage of the opportunities identified to help move them to a sustainable self-funding position, the make-up of current service users and the value gained for the council’s investment, it was proposed to taper the withdrawal of funding during the financial year 2022/23 ahead of ceasing the grant funding in full from 1 April 2023.

*RESOLVED –

1.    That the section 137 grant to Chesterfield and District Shopmobility be ceased from the financial year 2023/24.

2.    That a section 137 grant of £9,531 be allocated to Chesterfield and District Shopmobility for the financial year 2022/23, subject to evidence of Shopmobility progressing the development of a self-funding/alternative funding plan and engaging with Links CVS and the Council in applying for alternative funding sources.

3.    That a taper to the section 137 grant for the financial year 2022/23 be applied. The grant funding will be:

·      Quarter 1 (April 2022 – June 2022) 100% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £5,447

·      Quarter 2 (July 2022 – September 2022) 50% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £2,723

·      Quarter 3 (October 2022 – December 2022) 25% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £1,361

·      Quarter 4 (January 2023 – March 2023) 0% of the 2021/22 grant level for the quarter = £0

REASON FOR DECISIONS

1.    To respond to the challenging financial position of the Council and providing value for money services.

2.    To facilitate a managed and steady withdrawal of funding, which will enable Shopmobility to continue to work with Links CVS and Chesterfield Borough Council officers to develop an alternative funding plan and begin its implementation.