The ward budget allocation had been made available to Members since 2012. The aim of this Localism scheme was to make the process as simple as possible whilst ensuring that key principles were met, and that the Council’s legal and financial positions were safeguarded. It had enabled all Councillors to have the ability to make vital contributions to projects carried out in their local communities by local organisations.

Following the success of previous years’ Ward Budget schemes, Members would  once again have an allocation of £675 to distribute to proposed community schemes within their wards.

It was proposed to amend the governance to accord with local elections in order to safeguard the grant for new Members.

Cllr Russell MOVED and Cllr Ms Sanders SECONDED the recommendation and it was RESOLVED:

That the revised Ward Budget Allocation Guidance attached to the report as Appendix A be agreed.

Reasons for Recommendation

The change of opening date will allow newly elected Members to be able to propose the expenditure of the whole allocation for their ward.