The Head of Housing and
Community Services introduced the report and explained that a
significant budget was retained by the council and had been
utilised to fund community groups which provided services to local
residents. A variety of services were provided as listed in the
report, and the grant amount varied per provider.
In response to questions, the
Head of Housing and Community Services explained that the grants
were being utilised to procure a service and would therefore need
to comply with the council’s procurement guidelines. Under
these guidelines the mediation and community links services would
require three quotes to be obtained, while the advice service would
require a formal tender process.
Members felt that it was
important to recognise the value of the three organisations that
currently delivered the services to Maidstone residents, and that
it would be preferable to retain the services of Maidstone
Mediation, Citizens Advice Bureau and Involve due to the high
quality of services they provide.
RESOLVED: That
1.
A three-year grant be provided without reducing the
overall budget, thereby supplying the same level of funding for the
supplier; and
2.
The provision of voluntary sector services continue
to be funded for mediation, advice and community links.
Note: Councillor Rose left the
meeting between 8.19pm and 8.28pm during the debate and
vote.