Community groups may be forced to return cash
COMMUNITY groups who received funding from the council’s area partnership may have to return their money if they can’t spend it this financial year.
At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic a temporary decisionmaking arrangement was put in place to look at the funding applications made to Glasgow City Council. Decisions were there then noted at the city administration committee.
Area partnerships will now be able to meet virtually from next week – but there is still concern organisations might not be able to use the grant awarded to them because of the restrictions in place.
Labour group leader councillor Malcolm Cunning said: “I would like to know what is being done to keep on top of those awards that have been made in good faith but given the ongoing pandemic and restrictions may never actually happen within the current financial year.
“Is there any planning to allow money to be carried over into the next financial year if we get to a position where traditionally many of the things potentially funded through area partnerships are participatory events, bus trips, dance competitions and those monies on all good faith cannot simply be used.”
A council advisor told the councillor that the local authority would need to work with local organisations to decide how to proceed. If the money couldn’t be carried over to the next financial year, it may have to be handed back.
He said: “We are trying as best we can at a local level to facilitate the use of the monies for its purpose. As a consequence of the pandemic, there will be instances where that is not practical so we will work with local organisations as soon as possible to come to a determination about the use of the money for the purpose allocated.
“If that’s not possible the money would be returned. We don’t have a carry forward mechanism in place yet but I hear what you are saying and believe we need to give active consideration.”