Funds released despite location of event
Councillors have agreed to award a mental health organisation almost £1400 towards a therapeutic gardening conference from the Perth Common Good Fund, despite the event being held outside the city.
National charity Trellis, whose headquarters are on the Fair City’s St John’s Street, applied to the fund for £1360 towards a conference to be held at Tibbermore’s Bield at Blackruthven.
Councillor John Rebbeck asked the common good fund committee: “I’m quite happy in principle - we need to be supportive of improving mental health and wellbeing, however £7000 for 120 people seems like quite a lot of money.
“I’m entirely satisfied that it is a noble cause and it works out at about £20 a head to bring 100 people to Perth which is entirely satisfactory in my opinion.”
Council officers confirmed the cost of venue was £3600, travel expenses were £1200 and stationery valued at £260.
Cllr Andrew Parrott added:“I don’t doubt that this is a good project but who are Trellis and can we check the beneficiaries are Perth residents?”
Officers confirmed that the conference will include 125 participants, 100 from outside Perth and Kinross and two from outside Scotland
Clarifying, Cllr Willie Wilson explained:“I’m glad Cllr Rebbeck asked the question on the grounds of transparency.
“Trellis is a small organisation based in Perth and one of the organisers lives in the Perth South ward.
“Their purpose is an educational one, into the beneficial effects of therapeutic gardening and associated activities for people with mental health issues.
“They are there largely as a training organisation for other professionals to expand the benefits of outdoor activities.”
Cllr Peter Barrett pointed out that the event will take place outside of Perth.
He said:“The Bield at Blackruthven isn’t actually in Perth. Could we please get some more information on the criteria.”
Events which receive money from the common good fund are required to benefit residents of Perth.
Cllr Dave Doogan summarised:“I certainly hope nobody is going to say we shouldn’t agree on the basis that it is a very positive thing, but it is marginal.
“All these delegates will not be from Perth, the venue is not in Perth, the economic benefit therein, will not accrue to Perth, which makes it marginal to the Perth Common Good Fund.
“It would be far better if officers would highlight these issues to advise the applicant that it would be far easier for the committee to approve it if it was less marginal.
“I don’t think anybody questions the benefit, but I think it would be easier to support the event if it was in Perth.”
However, the application was approved unanimously.