Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close Estate, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 6QL

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1 BISHOP AUCKLAND AND SHILDON AREA ACTION PARTNERSHIP FUNDING GROUP DATE: 20 SEPTEMBER 2012 TITLE: FUNDING GROUP REPORT : ANDREW WALKER REPORT FOR INFORMATION AND DECISION 1 Purpose 1.1 This report summarises Area and Neighbourhood Budget applications which have been to the Funding Group as well as those which have been submitted to the ACE Funding Team for formal appraisal 1.2 To update the Board on the outcomes, comments and recommendations of the Funding Group meeting held 4 September To ensure that the Board have the opportunity to comment on the applications received and seek approval for the project proposals from priority Task and Finish Groups 1.4 To request another partner representative from the Board to volunteer to sit on the Funding Group 2 Update on the Role of the Funding Group 2.1 The Funding Group revisited the role and purpose of the group and reiterated the following: The Funding Group act as a critical friend / sounding board for Neighbourhood Budget projects submitted to the group which do not have a declaration of interest The Funding Group appraise Neighbourhood Budget projects that have a declaration of interest and send the comments / recommendations to a full Board meeting for final comment and approval The Funding Group appraises Area Budget projects received through the AAP Task and Finish groups and send the comments / recommendations to a full Board meeting for final comment and approval 2.2 The Funding Group decided that another Partner Representative from the Board should be sought to sit on the Funding Group to ensure parity between sections 3 Applications Neighbourhood Budget 3.1 The following projects have been submitted by Elected Members to receive financial support via their 2012/13Neighbourhood Budget allocations. Currently there is scope within the allocations to support all of the projects outlined below, there are no declaration of interest on these projects All of the projects detailed in this report have been received by the Funding Group, the comments and recommendations from the group are detailed below 3.2 Auckland Youth and Community Centre Auckland Youth and Community Centre Auckland Youth and Community Centre Walker Drive, Woodhouse Close Estate, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 6QL

2 : 2 parts Engagement of an Architect The Board of Trustees wish to engage a local architect to work with children, young people and the staff in the centre to think creatively about the existing building to see whether it is possible to make better use of the existing floor space. The Board of Trustees need a set of outline drawings and a budget cost for the refurbishment to go to potential funders. To employ an architect was recognised in a recent business plan produced as a result of internal review. The business plan identified that a review of the fabric of the building was essential in terms of potential income generation. Front Entrance Door The front entrance was recently refurbished but the centre could not afford to make the door automated. The centre wish the make the new front door open automatically to make the door fully accessible to all users, so the door opens as someone approaches. 2,283 Total Cost 4, (Councillor June Lee) Have local architects been approached to do elements of the project on a pro-bono basis? If not, could this be looked at? The project was recognised as needed 3.3 Volunteer Training on Benefit Changes and Appeals Process Wear Valley Citizens Advice Bureau Volunteer Training on Benefit Changes and Appeals Process Four Clocks, 154A Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland DL14 7EH Wear Valley Citizens Advice Bureau requires funding to train its front line volunteers on the new welfare benefits system and how to support clients in the appeals process. The community is being hit very hard by the changes and the proposed changes to the benefit and support systems. Due to funding cuts and changes in legal aid entitlement residents will be left without any representation in the field of welfare benefits. The CAB have already seen clients who are in need of assistance becoming reliant on food parcel schemes etc and believe that the situation is likely to deteriorate further. The Bureau have volunteers who are willing to donate their time and energy free of charge to assist people at this time but need funding to train them to the level where they can go some way to supporting people undergoing emergency situations and the appeals process. This will not replace the services that have been and are going to be lost but it will make a positive difference to the lives of residents in the Bishop Auckland area. The funding will be used to ensure that volunteers have the necessary skills and support to deliver advice on the new benefits and how individuals maybe affected by the changes and how to prepare for those changes. 115 Total Cost (Cllr John Lethbridge)

3 What is the National Body doing to address the situation / how are they coping? It was noted that the project does need doing but this is not just a local problem, it should be joined up and a national approach should be taken On a local scale will it be best value? 3.4 St Joseph s School Community Leisure Group St Joseph s RCVA Primary School St Joseph s School Community Leisure Group St Joseph s School, Victoria Lane, Coundon The project has been set up for the children within the local community and school in order to provide them with leisure activities outside the classroom and in addition to their educational opportunities. There are lots of activities planned for children who would not otherwise get opportunities as there are few activities or clubs within the local area. The group plan to take the children on trips to places further a field such as visiting the historical town of York as requested by the children. The group also plan to run after school clubs for the children such as a film club, Thai Boxing and a cooking club again these ideas have came from the children. The school has ran a cooking club in the past through funding from the Food Trust, this has unfortunately ran out but the club was very successful. The children have said that they would like it to continue due to the new skills it gave them, the project also involved parents who learned to develop their cooking skills and they were taught about healthy eating. The activities will take place outside of school hours and are in addition to their educational experiences. The School Council have identified these to be the most urgent needs and through this money they can provide the children with enriched experiences as well as developing links with parents and the local community by getting them involved. 3,979 (Councillor Burn 1,990 and Councillor Taylor 1,989) 390 (School) Total Cost 4,369 It was suggested that the group get in touch with the Health Authority to see if they could add value to the project The group felt it would be advisable to ask the group to consider charging the children and young people even a minimal cost to ensure that the project is valued 3.5 Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground Project Durham County Council, Sport and Leisure Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground Project Northumbria House, Aykley Heads, Durham

4 Bishop Auckland Tennis and Bowling Clubs have been based within Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground for many years. Over the past few seasons the Bowling Club has experienced problems in keeping their Green irrigated. They have requested an automatic irrigation system and also replacement of the green boards which are in places, damaged and dangerous. The Tennis Club has asked for assistance in replacing 2 public courts with an overlay. This will remove undulations in the surface and provide courts that are LTA league standard. The courts are now 16 years old and have not had any major maintenance during this period. Both clubs have a shared priority regarding pavilion security. The pavilion has been broken into on several occasions. It is boarded up by the council each winter to deter thieves, however this process in itself is causing damage to the building. The clubs have requested installation of security shutters over 4 windows and 2 doors. NHB funding will be matched by S106 funds to provide adequate funding for the above works. The project will be managed on behalf of the clubs by Outdoor Sport and Leisure officers (part of DCC Sport and Leisure Services), including budgeting, planning and procurement. Whilst the projects aim to improve facilities for the clubs, in a wider sense they will benefit the community who share the park facilities. 23,935 Total Cost 30,935 7,000 ( 2k Cllr Zair, 5k Cllr Harrison) The Funding Group asked who were delivering the project and whether quotes had been obtained to ensure best value The Funding Group asked what the anticipated timescales for delivery were 3.6 Dene Valley One Stop Shop Lunch and Activity Club Dene Valley Community Partnership Dene Valley One Stop Shop Lunch and Activity club One Stop Shop, High St, Eldon Lane To provide a nutritious meal, social opportunities and various activities for the older generation one half day a week in order to prevent isolation. The sessions will start with lunch between 12noon and 1.00pm and last for up to 3 hours each on one afternoon per week - afternoons are the preferred times for these sessions. The times will be reviewed subject to customer feedback. The club will have a leader/facilitator who will encourage the attendees to decide for themselves which activities they want to participate in and which speakers they wish to invite to their meetings. The leader will suggest various activities and topics for speakers. The group would also would like to appoint a small committee to drive this club forward to expand on the various activities offered and advise on what workshops and topics they would like further information on. The group will start by serving lunch either in the cafe or in one of the meeting rooms, this will be followed by a number of activities, some of which the group already own, to be decided by the attendees which may include Crafts; use of laptops, internet and skype; use of technology such as mobile phones, printers, digital cameras, etc; board games; Wii; Gentle exercise; various speakers; songs; playing musical instruments; watching films and musicals; having a natter with new friends.

5 6,850 ( 3,425 from Councillors Burn and Taylor) 3,200 (Receipts from attendees) Total Cost 10,050 The group asked that the applicant be informed of the DCC PC and laptop recycling scheme which can be accessed through Elected Members The group asked whether the applicant were a UK Online Centre The group asked that they get in touch with Teesdale Day Clubs for advice and guidance on direction A question was raised on the volunteer base what roles will they take and do they know they can access 2D for support and training The group asked that the applicant get in touch with Coundon and Leeholme Community Partnership who are looking at doing something similar to avoid duplication 4 Applications Area Budget and Neighbourhood Budget 4.1 The following applications have been received by the Funding Group from the Community Safety and Employment and Job Prospects Task and Finish groups. There is currently scope within remaining within the priority s allocation to support the project. The projects have been received by the Funding Group, the comments and recommendations from the group are detailed below. 4.2 Business Advisors South Durham Enterprise Agency Business Advisors Innovation House, South Church Enterprise Park The business advisor project was designed and commissioned to be a two year partnership between 2D, DCC Employability Team and South Durham Enterprise Agency. The first year of the project has been a great success and has (or is set to) exceed targets in all areas). The second year funding will be directed at supporting businesses in the area to create employment through business development and business support. The businesses brought into the project will continue to be supported, however new businesses will be targeted for this new round of funding. In conjunction with the business development side of the project, business start up services will also be provided through targeted coaching to those individuals who are considering self employment. Continued focus will be provided to key sectors i.e. Construction, Tourism, Manufacturing, Engineering, Retail, Financial, Business and Professional Services, Creative and Digital industries. Full employment and support costs are included in the bid meaning that the provision of two training, qualified and experienced Business Advisors will be provided to work in the AAP area only. The majority of activity has focused on those looking at self employment, it is expected that this trend will continue although sector focused work will bring in new business support clients. Work around business start up may involves: Business Planning; Financial Forecasting; Specific Advice and Guidance on Business Sector or Business Speciality (marketing,

6 etc); Coaching and Mentoring; Work with business development may involve: Marketing; HR Advice; Coaching and Mentoring; Specific industry expertise. Total Cost 75,180 54,000 (Councillors Zair; Burn; Taylor; Hancock; Huntington; Yorke; Turner; Lee and Lethbridge) 21,180 ( 16,000 Area Budget and 5,180 SDEA) The Funding Group asked that apprenticeships in small businesses should be supported and encouraged Links should be strengthened with the apprenticeship agenda Like to see unregistered VAT businesses taken to the next level Links should also be strengthened / reinforced through the Rural Employability Project The Funding Group asked that the Area Budget element be subject to the above comments and said it did not require the project to come back to the Funding Group once approved through the Task Group. Please note the Area Budget element to the Business Advisor project was received by the Task and Finish Group on 6 September 2012 and it is ready for consideration by the Board. 4.3 Auckland Town Centre Secure Retailer Scheme Safer Neighbourhoods, DCC Bishop Auckland Town Centre Secure Retailer Scheme Durham County Council Offices, Green Lane, Spennymoor, Durham. DL16 6JQ The project will provide a grant to landlords or tenants operating business premises within the Bishop Auckland Town Centre HIL to improve the security of their premises. Businesses may also apply as a group, if the premises are situated in a block. The applicant will undertake a Crime Prevention survey and agree to recommendations outlined in order to secure the property. The applicant will get 2 quotes for the costs of the work recommended. The grant will provide financial support to provide a range oftarget hardening security items for example fencing, lighting, alarms, CCTV, poly carbonate door and window products, upgrade of locks and anti climb products. The project will be hoping to secure further match funding to reach a 60k project which will enable 30 premises to access funding. The grant is discretionary and could provide up to 70% of the cost of the required works, to a maximum of 2k for each property. The project will be promoted via DCC Corporate Communications and existing groups working in the area e.g. Shop Watch, Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum and Town Council. AB Contribution Total Cost 36, k Community Safety 13,831 (Community Economic Regeneration( Confirmed. 10,000 (Safe Durham Partnership) Confirmed (Neighbourhood Budget) Not confirmed. Total: 26,912

7 What is the criteria? How big can the organisation / business be before they are exempt from applying? Can a basic health check of the business / legitimacy of practices be done prior to being accepted? Can links be made with the Business Advisors to ensure that the businesses are sustainable / in good health A defined area of eligibility is needed Business needs to be defined How will the project be advertised The key aims and objectives need to be clearly defined The group asked that further information be sought before the project is progressed, group agreed this could be done virtually. It should be noted that the Community Safety Task Group approved this project to progress to application. 5 Recommendations 5.1 It is recommended that the Board note and agree the role of the Funding Group as outlined in items The Partner Section of the Board are asked to consider joining the Funding Group 5.3 The Board are asked to provide their comments / recommendations on the Neighbourhood Budget projects as outlined in items The Board are asked to provide their comments and recommendations on the Area Budget / Neighbourhood projects outlined in items 4.2 and 4.3 with a view of approving or rejecting the projects.