The Head of Community Services has submitted a report to (i) demonstrate the impact of Oxford Community Impact Fund; and (ii) agree the criteria/weighting for assessing the 2024/25 Oxford Community Impact fund grants.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.     Note the implementation of the Oxford Community Impact Fund agreed by Cabinet on 15 December 2021 as part of the strategic grants review;

2.     Note the social value and economic impact of the fund; and

3.     Agree that the criteria and weighting for assessing Oxford Community Impact Fund grant applications in 2024/2025 are as set out in paragraph 5 of this report with the additional requirement for applicants to comply with the safeguarding arrangements specified by the Council.  Cabinet agrees such safeguarding requirements are to be determined by the Safeguarding Coordinator in consultation with the Head of Community Services.

The Head of Community Services had submitted a report to (i) demonstrate the impact of Oxford Community Impact Fund; and (ii) agree the criteria and weighting for assessing the 2024/25 Oxford Community Impact fund grants.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader, welcomed the report and in particular the breadth and range of organisations which worked to provide support and services within the community and which had been able to be granted aid.  It was noted that 20% of new applicants had not applied previously, which reflected officers’ work to ensure that the application process was made as easy as possible.  Work had also been done to ensure that the grants awarded aligned with the Council’s priorities.

Cabinet is resolved to:

1.     Note the implementation of the Oxford Community Impact Fund agreed by Cabinet on 15 December 2021 as part of the strategic grants review;

2.     Note the social value and economic impact of the fund; and

3.      Agree that the criteria and weighting for assessing Oxford Community Impact Fund grant applications in 2024/2025 are as set out in paragraph 5 of this report with the additional requirement for applicants to comply with the safeguarding arrangements specified by the Council.  Cabinet agrees such safeguarding requirements are to be determined by the Safeguarding Coordinator in consultation with the Head of Community Services.