Agenda item

To submit a report by the Treasurer in relation to the above.

Submitted – a report by the Treasurer in relation to the above.

The Treasurer reported that the General Grants Committee held on 12 July, 2017 resolved to allocate a grant of £4,200 to Amlwch Community Group to develop a piece of land for use as an allotment.  The grant award was subject to receipt of estimates and proof of ownership or lease of land.  He referred to Section 2.1, paragraph (c) of the criteria for the allocation of grants from the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust which states “When necessary, that the applicants (the community/body) have proof of tenure on the land or building for which the grant is being requested and that tenure should normally be for a period of not less than 21 years.  In respect of portable accommodation, proof of tenure for seven years will be considered sufficient.  In respect of sports fields, established use for a period of ten years or more will be accepted instead of proof of tenure.”

The Amlwch Community Group were offered some land by the Isle of Anglesey County Council, however, on further investigations, the Town Council believes the land could be contaminated and not suitable to be used as an allotment, given that it would be used to grow fruit and vegetables.  The Group has subsequently found a piece of private land which the owner is willing to lease to the Group but the landowner is only willing to offer an initial lease of 5 years on the land although this period could be subsequently extended.  However, following the publication of the Agenda for this meeting, it has become apparent that the private piece of land in question is not suitable and the offer by the landowner has been withdrawn. 

The Vice-Chair said that the Amlwch Community Group is now requesting a six months extension by the full Trust to be able to explore other potential land to be used as allotments. 

The Vice-Chair, Mr R O Jones and Mr. Richard Griffiths withdrew from the meeting as they had declared a prejudicial interest as regard to this item and took no part in discussion and voting on the matter.

Members of the Charitable Trust considered the request and raised the following :-

·      Concerns were raised that the criteria for the allocation of grants should not be waived as the tenure on land for which grant is being requested should be for a period of 21 years.  Some Members of the Trust considered that the criteria for lease of land should be further discussed at the next meeting of the full Charitable Trust;

·      Members were of the opinion that as the application by Amlwch Community Group – Caru Amlwch allocated a grant fund of £4,200 subject to receipt of ownership on the lease of land, by the General Grants Committee on 12^th July, 2017 and therefore they have 4 years to realise the project.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED :-

·      To inform the Amlwch Community Group – Caru Amlwch that they have 4 years to identify a piece of land as part of the grant funding criteria but they must secure a 21 year lease of the land in question.

·      That discussion take place at the next meeting of the full Charitable Trust on the criteria for the allocation of grants as regard to tenure of land.