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 whom may be suffering with Dementia, to be discussed.  Councillor Hackett highlighted that with Christmas approaching there was necessity for the funding to be allocated without delay and suggested discussion by a panel of community representatives.  The Chair informed the Committee of a Brunch Club that was operating through local churches in Wallasey and the Committee could look into organisations such as the Feeding Birkenhead initiative.  The Chair suggested that a sum of £9.000 could be put aside for emergencies and a £50.000 pot be allocated to tackling child poverty in Wallasey.  Councillor Chris Jones suggested that Jo Burrell, Constituency Manager, Birkenhead be approached to find out more information on the Feeding Birkenhead initiative.  Councillor Paul Stuart agreed with this suggestion but commented that the Committee could not wait until January.  Members raised the question of when the money had to be spent and the Constituency manager indicated that there was no firm guarantee that the core budget could be carried over.  Councillor Tom Usher stated as there was no firm proposal currently the Committee needed to meet as soon as possible.  Councillor Ian Lewis urged that the Committee needed to set parameters and invite organisations for discussion.

It was moved by Councillor Chris Blakeley and seconded by Councillor Ian Lewis that a sum of £5,965.00 be allocated to each ward Councillor for organisations within each Ward to bid into and that the balance be used to support appropriate schemes in Wallasey.

The motion was put and lost (6:7).

The Chair suggested that the Constituency Committee meet before Christmas as there was need for a special meeting to discuss this matter.  The Chair informed Members that she and Councillor Usher would be meeting with people from the Brunch Club in Wallasey the next day and suggested that this could give the Committee a starting point.  Members discussed the possibility of a smaller group of the Committee meeting to discuss ideas that could report back via Councillor Mooney and Councillor Lewis.  Other Members suggested that all Members of the Committee should meet together to determine the way forward.  The Chair agreed that a special meeting of the Constituency Committee be arranged around the beginning of December 2018.

On a motion by Councillor Bernie Mooney and seconded that by Councillor Janette Williamson it was;

Resolved (7:2) – That;

1  the Wallasey Constituency Manager hold a discussion with the Birkenhead Constituency Manager to gain further information on the Feeding Birkenhead scheme.

2  a special meeting of the Wallasey Constituency Committee be arranged for early December to determine how the Committee will allocate the £59,565 available to it this financial year, in line with its priorities.

3  the remainder of the report be noted.