Agenda item

NSF recommendations to be presented by the Cheviot Assessment Panel on the following applications:-

(i)   CFA000150 Jedburgh and District Community News Group

(ii)  CFA000151 Ancrum Community Council

Neighbourhood Support Fund

8.1    There had been 2applications received for the Cheviot Neighbourhood Support Fund totalling £1,628.00, which was a significant decrease on previous rounds, although to be expected following the very encouraging number approved in March 2023.  There had been circulated copies of a report which detailed the recommendations of the Cheviot Community Fund Assessment Panel. The Meeting noted that there had only been three Members of the Assessment Panel present to discuss the applications received, as a result of resignations.  The report provided a brief description of each application received and a recommendation on the sum to be awarded to each project.  As previously reported, projects with a mean score of 80+ in terms of their ability to deliver, clear evidence of need, potential impact, use of public money, innovation and sustainability and therefore would be recommended for approval and those were detailed below:-

8.2    Ancrum Community Council

          An application had been received from Ancrum Community Council in the sum of £630 to develop the existing ‘Community Polytunnel and Hub’ with the addition of raised planting beds and a secure, dry space for equipment storage.  The project would encourage greater composting, recycling and improve a community asset.  The Panel were supportive of the project and recommended that £630.00 be awarded.

          A further application had been received and had been discussed by the Assessment as follows:-

8.3     Jedburgh and District community News Group

 An application had been received from Jedburgh and District Community News Group in the sum of £998.00 for the development of a dedicated website. The website would allow the group to considerably expand its community news and information services and aimed to become self-sufficient through a subscription service.   The Panel expressed concerns that the development of a new website, may a duplication of services.  Following discussion and the receipt of additional information from the Group, there was consensus amongst the panel to recommend the application for funding of £998.00

8.4     With reference to paragraph 6.21 of the Minute of 29 March 2023, Mr D Weatherston again raised the matter of recruitment to the following positions:-

-       Member of the Public (Jedburgh & District)

-       Community Councillor (Jedburgh & District)

-       SBC Councillor (Kelso & District)

-       SBC Councillor (Jedburgh & District)

SBC Officers had publicised the available roles amongst their contacts with no noted interest.  The Group were joined by Youth Engagement Worker, P. Rigby, who proposed that two places on the panel be kept aside for young people. After discussion and agreement of the benefit, P. Rigby agreed to work towards recruitment and training of two young people. The logistics and voting capacity of these young people would be decided depending on their age and abilities.  The Group reviewed the roles available within the Assessment Panel, and as a result agreed that:

1.    Permanent SBC Councillor positions be removed and, instead, applications be circulated to all Councillors in advance of the Assessment Panel for comments;

2.    Two spaces would be made available to any individual in the community that wished to join regardless of the location within the Cheviot area, in order to assure the Group continued to be quorate.

          DECISION

AGREED:-

(a)       that the following sums be awarded to each of those listed:-

·         Ancrum Community Council - £630

·         Jedburgh and District Community New Group - £998

(b)       that the following recommendations by the Cheviot Assessment Panel be accepted:-

·           Permanent SBC Councillor positions be removed and, instead, applications be circulated to all Councillors in advance of the Assessment Panel for comments; and

Two spaces would be made available to any individual in the community that wished to join regardless of the location within the Cheviot area, in order to assure the Group continued to be quorate.