Agenda and minutes

The Panel received a report of the Executive Director (Business Connections) which outlined appeals received against the decisions made at the Panel’s meeting on 26 November 2003.

Harrow Council for Racial Equality:  The Panel had received a request to increase the funding allocated to this organisation by £7,500 to cover the additional rent costs of moving to a new premises.  The Panel agreed that they should assist the organisation with their rent for their new premises, but should not contribute to the organisations remaining office accommodation at The Lodge.

Girlguiding North West Middlesex:  The Panel had received a request from the organisation for a one-off grant to assist with wood treatment for the exterior of the building.  Officers reminded the Panel that they had granted £1,500 three years ago for roofing.

In response to questions, officers informed the meeting that although the organisation was based in Hillingdon, about 50% of users came from Harrow.  Following discussion, Members agreed that the organisation had a high level of reserves.

Pakistan Society of Harrow:  During discussion, Members agreed that this was a well-run organisation, who had put the funds they already receive to good use.  A Member commented that he felt that £5,000 was a lot of additional money to award and suggested giving the organisation an additional £2,500 instead.  A Member noted that a grant of £5,000 was not consistent with previous Panel policy.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (To the Portfolio Holder)

That the Portfolio Holder agree the additional funds for organisations listed below, and agree the responses to the appeals heard;

REASON:  To enable the four Groups to finalise their budget for 2004/05.

The Panel received a request from Harrow in Europe Association to reconsider their grant allocation.  Officers informed the meeting that the report submitted to the last meeting had been attached to the agenda for information.

A Member commented that he felt that the programme of events had not been comprehensively costed, and was disinclined to award the additional funds.  He added that he supported the association in principle, but felt the information they submitted was not sufficient to receive additional funding.

In response, a Member stated that she was confident that the association would use the additional funds wisely, and that the organisation provided a value for money way of fulfilling the Council’s twinning responsibilities.  Officers reminded the Panel that the organisation would have to illustrate that they were attempting to engage hard to reach sections of the community to be eligible for additional funding.

A Member commented that he was concerned that the failure to grant additional funding would impact on the range of events that the Association had planned for the upcoming year.  In response, a Member stated that he was not certain of this, as no costs had been included for any events, and added that the association had adequate reserves.  He proposed that the additional requested funds be reserved until the Association provided further information.

The Chair commented that he had been a Member of Harrow in Europe since it’s inception and had visited Douai on several occasions.  He noted that there had historically been problems communicating with Harrow in Europe and agreed that it was important to keep them on a short reign.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (To the Portfolio Holder)

That the Portfolio Holder agree that the funding for Harrow in Europe be increased by £2,500, but this sum be released in September after the receipt of the specific information requested by the Council.

REASON:  Harrow in Europe has additional information that they wish the Panel to consider.

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no Reserve Members in attendance at this meeting.

To receive declarations of interest (if any) from Members of the Committee arising from business to be transacted at this meeting.

RESOLVED: To note that the following interests were declared:

The following Members declared personal interests in the business transacted at the meeting arising from their involvement with the organisations listed.  Accordingly, they remained and took part in the discussion and voting on the relevant items.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2004, be deferred until printed in Volume 10 of the Minute Book.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2004 be deferred until printed in the next Council Bound Minute Volume.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no public questions to be received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no petitions to be received at this meeting under the provisions of the Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Committee Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4B of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no deputations to be received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

Report of the Executive Director, Business Connections

(See Recommendation 1).

Report of the Executive Director, Business Connections

(Please note:  Appendix A has been attached last for technical reasons)

(This item was withdrawn from the agenda).

The attached information has been submitted by Harrow in Europe Association for consideration by the Panel.  The Officer report submitted to the Panel meeting on 19 February 2004 has been attached for information.

(See Recommendation 2).