The Constituency Manager outlined a report that provided an update on the Constituency Committee’s completed projects and any identified underspends.  This report also outlined the Committee’s budget for 2018/19, and sought decisions around how that budget, together with the Committee’s underspends, would be allocated.  Appendices to the report provided the reports relating to; Appendix 1 – Smokefree Community Champions List; Appendix 2 – Breakdown of Marine Point Initiative Spend; Appendix 3 – Breakdown of Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Spend; Appendix 4 – Defibrillator Locations; Appendix 5 – Dementia-Friendly Businesses & Organisations List; Appendix 5a – Dementia-Friendly Grant Allocations and Appendix 6 – Christmas Lighting Spend.

The Chair indicated that the total underspend available for Committee reallocation was £59,565 and invited Members views.

Councillor Janette Williamson suggested that the available funding be used for helping Child Poverty in Wallasey to help hungry children, girls without sanitary products and families in poverty.  Councillor Blakeley suggested that the available funding should be divided between each area and that spend should be devolved to each Ward and each Ward Councillor to determine greatest need.  Councillor Adrian Jones commented that it would not be beneficial to divide the funding into Ward areas and it would preferable for the funding to be pooled to meet the needs of children and families across Wallasey.  Councillor Blakeley then suggested a smaller amount of funding be allocated to each Ward and the remainder be allocated to an appropriate scheme across the Constituency.  Councillor Chris Jones commented that it was time the Constituency Committee made a real difference to everyone in Wallasey and urged that the funding be spent appropriately as a whole.  Councillor Ian Lewis stated that the Committee had not seen any proposals/costings/value for money and stressed that Members need to see the evidence for how the money is to be spent, the timescale for spend and how the success of the outcome would be measured.  Councillor Paul Hayes commented that no solid proposals had been put before the Committee and that he would support Councillor Blakeley’s suggestions.  The Chair indicated that it may be beneficial for a special meeting or sub group to investigate how the funding could be best spent and have a proposal ready for January.  Councillor Janette Williamson made the suggestion that community groups could be asked to come forward with proposals.  Councillor Lewis noted that at a previous meeting a Member had sought funding for Charlotte’s Brightside and shown how £500.00 could make a significant difference to a community group.  He commented that community groups needed to be made aware that there is funding available and that Members themselves may be aware of appropriate community groups. Councillor Lewis further indicated that this could be a pilot scheme however he raised concern that the Committee may have to wait another 6 months before any action is taken and emphasised that the process needed to be in place now.  Councillor Lesley Rennie commented that she would like the social isolation of people, particularly older people, some of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15