Issue - meetings

To consider a number of bids from the Transformation Panels being extended beyond March 2016.

1.    That the Portfolio Holder agrees that this is an appropriate Portfolio Holder decision given that Cabinet approved the Transformation Fund, and the financial spend for successful projects on 22 July 2014.

2.    That approval be given for delegated authority to be given to officers to extend grant agreements to enable the full delivery of projects, not exceeding two years from the date of the grant.

Consideration was given to extending the period of a number of projects beyond 31 March 2015.  The Public Health Transformation Fund had been created to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Cheshire East. The dedicated, flexible and time-limited financial fund was established by Cabinet from the ring fenced Public Health budget to enable residents to access and benefit from innovative approaches to health not previously available in Cheshire East through statutory, voluntary, community, faith and private sector transformation initiatives.

On 22 July 2014 Cabinet approved the creation of the Public Health Transformation Fund and also that the decision to make the awards be delegated to the Fund Panel, chaired by the Portfolio Holder, and that the Panel report back to Cabinet on performance.

The period defined for the Transformation Fund bids was the current financial year, with completion of service delivery within a two year period or by 31 March 2016. Four sets of Panels have been held to review the submissions and interest in the fund has been significant with 42 bids received, 13 of which have been successful.

To maximise the health and wellbeing benefits an extension beyond 31 March 16 was requested where the bidders proposal was for a specific period e.g. 2 years from the date of commencement; all commencement periods were likely to be between January and July 2015.

It was confirmed that all funding for all of the projects was from the 2014/15 budget, none recurrently. The grant agreements allowed for an extension of the grant term should further authority be forthcoming.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Portfolio Holder agrees that this is an appropriate Portfolio Holder decision given that Cabinet approved the Transformation Fund, and the financial spend for successful projects on 22 July 2014.

2.    That approval be given for delegated authority to be given to officers to extend grant agreements to enable the full delivery of projects, not exceeding two years from the date of the grant.