Councillor George Davies introduced a report by the Director of Resources that updated the Cabinet on the Community Fund which was administered by Magenta Living (formerly Wirral Partnership Homes).  It sought agreement for the release of the Environmental Warranties set-aside within the Fund so that the sum was available for distribution in accord with the operation of the Fund. The liability for any environmental claims, which was considered a low risk, then rested with the Council for which provision had been made within the Council’s Insurance Fund. 

A report to Cabinet on 23 September 2010 had provided a comprehensive overview of the management arrangements for the Fund which had been established as a consequence of the transfer of the bulk of the Council housing stock to WPH (now Magenta) in February 2005.  The Cabinet was informed that subsequent updates had amended the Council representation in managing the Fund and endorsed the representatives to authorise, on behalf of the Council, the release of money from the Fund. 

RESOLVED: That:

(1)  the Council position regarding Environmental Warranties be acknowledged and the release of the set-aside in the Community Fund be confirmed;

(2)  the liability of the Council in respect of Environmental Warranties be recognised with provision for this liability made within the Council’s Insurance Fund;

(3)  the availability of Community Fund Grant support of £1.5 million for 2014/15 to finance the services identified in Section 7.4 of the report be noted; and

(4)  having regard to the financial position of the Community Fund the services supported by the Fund in 2014/15, it be noted that these services are potential growth in the Budget Projections for 2015/16.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham returned to the meeting.