No cut in grants to local groups

Despite recent uncertainty over the future of grants to local voluntary and community groups, Mid Devon District Council’s overall level of grant support to external organisations in 2007/08 will be maintained at existing levels.

The decision was made at a Full Council meeting in Tiverton when the Council set its budget and council tax for next financial year.

Cllr Charlie Haydon, Chairman of the Community Services Committee and of the Grants & Funding Working Group, said "I am delighted that the Council adopted a balanced budget without affecting the level of grants to voluntary and community groups. The Council listened to all the representations it received, and fully realised the contribution these organisations make to life in Mid Devon. The overwhelming vote in favour of retaining the current level of grants next year reflected the Council’s appreciation of all that they do for our community."

The Council also voted in terms of reference for a new Grants & Funding Sub Committee to manage the award of all grants and contributions to external organisations. This will help ensure that the Council directs its grants and contributions in accordance with its corporate priorities and does so in a more transparent manner, as members of the public will be able to attend. The Sub Committee will be politically balanced, with five members, and will meet at least every quarter.