Members were reminded that the Council’s Funding Strategy was agreed at Strategy and Policy Board in November 2013. As part of the implementation of that Strategy officers were asked to develop an ‘In Kind Policy’ to ensure that future funding and support in this area had clear guidance and  had a consistent, transparent and accountable approach to ensure that this supported  the Council’s priorities and ensured that the support was targeted to those most in need.

There were two key strands to the In Kind Policy: Printing and Parking Permits. Currently these arrangements were provided free to certain organisations, details of which were included in Appendix B of the agenda.  Members were advised that the financial support given in relation to postal costs of the annual Fun Run would continue for 2015 and 2016 then assistance would be given to enable on-line enrolment to be undertaken.

Members noted that any lease arrangements that the Council had with Voluntary and Community Sector organisations would be covered in a separate Community Let Policy which would go before Asset and Enterprise Committee on 21 January 2015 for Members to consider. Room hire within the Town Hall would be covered in a separate report which would be reported to a future Asset and Enterprise Committee.

Cllr Lloyd MOVED and Cllr Aspinell  SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a full discussion it was RESOLVED that:

1.  Members agree to the adoption of the In Kind Policy (Appendix A to the report).

2.  The following timelines should apply to the implementation of the In Kind Policy:

     2.1 The revised parking permits (one per person for Members, employees and Voluntary Sector organisations) will commence from April 2015.

  2.2  Free parking permits will cease to be issued for Brentwood Library   from April 2016 (to allow time for Essex County Council to adjust their budgets accordingly)

      2.3  The community rates for printing to be implemented in April 2016 to allow organisations to allocate within their budgets.

(Cllr Kendall declared a non-pecuniary interest under the Council’s Code of Conduct by virtue of being a trustee of Brentwood Community Transport, also being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Cllr Clark declared a non-pecuniary interest under the Council’s Code of Conduct by virtue of being a trustee of Brentwood Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Cllr Mynott declared a non-pecuniary interest under the Council’s code of Conduct by virtue of being a trustee of Brentwood Community Transport).