Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director Law and Governance

The Assistant Director Law and Governance submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with information on the spend and use of the Stronger Communities Fund during the 2022/2023 financial year.

The submitted report stated that Cabinet agreed the establishment of the Stronger Communities Fund in April 2021, allocating each Councillor £1,000 to deliver the objectives of the fund; and reference was made to the final spend against the £50,000 for the 2022/2023 financial year, together with information on what had been delivered in wards on an individual Councillor basis.

It was reported that this Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting held on 12 January 2023, supported the continuation of the pilot scheme in the 2023/24 financial year; reference was made to the agreement which members were required to enter into regarding the use of the funds; and that the agreement for 2023/24 specifically required Members to consider whether the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Members applies and to declare any potential declarations of interest within the signed agreement.

A question was raised in relation to monitoring the advertisement of the fund by Members and Members highlighted the need for greater general awareness of the fund; and concerns were raised regarding Members declarations of pecuniary interest.

RESOLVED – (a) That the final spend against the £50,000 for the 2022/2023 financial year be noted.

(b) That the Stronger Communities Fund be advertised in the One Darlington Magazine.

(c) That the Monitoring Officer reviews the final spend for 2022/23 for any undeclared pecuniary interests.