The proposed changes aim to ensure consistency in decision-making, provide clarity and open access to grants, and place elected members in a leading role for grant allocations. This initiative underscores a renewed commitment to transparency and local democratic accountability.
Key to the reset is the establishment of a new Thurrock Council Grants and Awards Committee, scheduled to hold its first meeting in January 2027. This committee will be delegated authority to consider and approve discretionary grant applications and other benefits in kind for the voluntary and community sector. It will also monitor grant expenditure, outcomes, and oversee transparency and reporting.
The council will also review current grant funding arrangements, including those where third parties allocate grants on its behalf. Furthermore, all awarded grants will be published annually, with real-time updates available.
Cllr Milena Bingley, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children’s Services, highlighted the importance of supporting the borough's voluntary and community organisations. "Where there is funding available for work in the community, it’s really important to this administration that it is visible and accessible to all eligible organisations, that there is complete transparency about the process, and that all funding goes towards things that benefit local people," she stated.
Cllr Bingley added, "Residents elect councillors to take important decisions, and so it’s right that elected members take a lead role in making sure precious funding goes to the right organisations to deliver the right support for local people. I look forward to taking this work forward with members and officers to ensure that consistency, transparency, value for money, positive outcomes, and democratic accountability are all key features of our approach to grant funding."
