Agenda and minutes

The Chair will introduce those present and make any necessary announcements.

The Chair and any other Councillors who are present will make any declarations as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Attached for information and dsicussion

The Ward Members will lead a discussion.

An update will be given on Community First, including a report on grants awarded.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in Westcotes Ward.

The City Warden will give an update on issues in the Westcotes Ward.

An update on planning and development issues in the Westcotes Ward not covered elsewhere on the agenda will be given at the meeting.

Councillors are reminded that under the Council’s Code of Conduct they should declare any interest they may have in budget applications

a)    An update on the 2013/14 Community Meeting budget will be provided

b)     The meeting is asked to note the following grant application, which has been decided under the Council’s fast track procedure:-

Application 1

The following application was not supported.

Application £500 from Inspirate for £500 towards “Diversifying South Asian Festivals in Leicester”. 

The funding was requested for the promotion of “An Indian Summer” (AIS), a recently established festival that uses venues within the city centre, including the Cultural Quarter’s Curve Theatre and Phoenix Independent Cinema.

c)         Grant applications submitted for consideration:-

Application 2

Project:           Starter furniture packs

Applicant:      Kate Stretton, Stonham

Amount requested: 

This is a joint application to the Westcotes Community Meeting and the Western Park Community Meeting.

Summary:

Due to government changes in how grants such as community care grants and crisis loans are allocated, Stonham is trying to find alternative help and support for clients who are in hostel accommodation but are ready and about to move into their own independent home. 

The majority of clients in the organisation’s supported housing schemes are on benefits and have no disposable income or funds to set up their own homes.  Previously, when a client was ready to move to independent living applications were made to various charities and for government grants to enable the client to have just the basics in furniture.  These resources are becoming very limited and changes to government grants may result in Stonham’s clients not being eligible. 

It therefore is proposed to hire out a storage facility and collect items of furniture offered on recycling sites such as Freecycle.  A ‘stock’ of donated items then will be held that will help set up a home for a hostel client.

Staff will collect items in their own time and using their own vehicles.

Application 3

Project:           Manor House Refurbishment

Applicant:      Arthur Manger

Amount requested: 

Summary:

It is proposed to redesign the art and craft centre on the ground floor of the Manor House Neighbourhood Centre.  A multi-purpose room will be created that can be used as an advice centre, classroom, or small party room.

This would be used by people in the area and particularly those using the food bank.

It is hoped to start the project in June and complete it by September.

The Centre will use its own funding for the balance of the cost.

Application 4

Project:           Food in the Community – Pilot Project

Applicant:      Leicester Masaya Link Group, with the support of Environmental Studies Ltd

Amount requested: 

This is a joint  ...  view the full agenda text for item 59.

Please note that further Westcotes Community Meetings will be held on:-

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Tuesday 25 March 2014

All of these meetings will be held at 7.00 pm at the East West Community Project, Wilberforce Road.