Issue - meetings

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.