Agenda item

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Connected Communities.

The Team Manager Connected Communities presented the report which sought endorsement to submit a CCRCD Challenge Fund application for a regional civic crowdfunding programme to support solutions to local identified projects and challenges. 

A regional approach across the CCRCD was proposed, and the CCRCD team has encouraged a submission from BGCBC as the proposed lead authority by the 12^th March, 2021, which had been done, with a subsequent decision anticipated after board determination on the 20^th April, 2021.  As lead Authority, the Council would manage the relationship and enter into contract with an appropriate provider to deliver the crowd funding platform for an initial period 2021/22 through to 2023/24.

The Officer then spoke to the report and highlighted points contained therein.

The Officer reported that there were some slight changes from the report and what went into the application as result of conversations that took place.  She confirmed that the total amount being sought for the project was £1.3m in value, and up to £1.1m was being sought from City Deal, however, this may fluctuate depending on the level of investment from other LA’s.  The Officer said whilst LA investment was not a requirement, it would be seen as favourable, and she confirmed that Blaenau Gwent had identified £50k over 3 years within Regeneration related resources.

In response to a question raised by a Member regarding engagement, the Officer explained that the Lead Officer would have responsibility for a clear engagement strategy with local community groups the third sector would be critical in terms of the organisations that they were already supporting.  The provider of the platform would also support that engagement, and there would also be a public launch and workshop events, along with a dedicated website to promote and signpost people to those projects seeking crowdfunding.  Members would also play a big part in that engagement.

Another Member referred to the same initiative undertaken in Swansea and asked whether there were any case studies available to give some idea of what was achievable, and also whether any indication had been received regarding the level of investment from other LA’s.

The Officer confirmed that Appendix 1 to the report provided a link to the website for Swansea crowdfunding which included the types of projects that have been funded.

In terms of the level of investment from other LA’s, the Officer confirmed that discussions had taken place with the Regional Director and there was firm support for the proposals, however, the financial contributions element was currently being worked through.  The Officer confirmed that the application had been submitted identifying that that element was still to be concluded.

A Member asked whether applications for projects would be submitted to us as Lead Authority for consideration, or CCRCD.

In response the Officer explained that if successful, and CCRCD had agreed investment, then governance arrangements would be put in place, and a proposed Steering Group would be established with representation from LA’s, CCRCD, Welsh Government and key partners, who would be responsible for determining which projects would be supported.  However, if the Council was putting in additional investment, there would be opportunity to influence that investment through the same platform but with separate criteria and in terms of the project being funded. 

A Member asked what level of support would be provided to community groups making applications for funding.

The Officer said the Lead Officer would offer some resources, but there would be different levels of community development support available, and the third sector would be critical in this regard.  She said the platform was more efficient because the data only needed to be input once and was then exposed to a number of funders.  However, she acknowledged that a digital platform would provide challenges for some community groups, but support would be available, and the platform has also encouraged new people to come forward with new initiatives. 

In response to a further question the Officer said Members could support a community group in making an application, but the detail would need to be considered. 

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and:

     i.        Endorsed the submission of a CCRCD Challenge Fund application for a civic crowdfunding platform, acting as the lead Authority, and

    ii.        Endorsed the implementation of a regional crowdfunding platform, inclusive of Blaenau Gwent, to support solutions to locally identified projects and challenges; subject to funding award (Option 2).