Issue - meetings

The Panel is to receive an update report on the Community Health and Wealth Building strategy and Associated Fund.

Executive Councillor: Cllr S Howell

By means of a report and presentation by the Public Protection Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), an Update on the Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy and Associated Fund was presented to the Panel.

In reflection on lessons learned from the application process, the Panel heard that the team had worked to support applicants who were not ready to begin the application process at that point but would proceed when ready as well as ensuring that applicants were not put off with a lengthy application process.

The Panel heard that each project had their own social value measures and that quarterly reports would be produced and reported on. The Panel were assured that risk management was in place and that this would also be accommodated in future Annual Audit Plans.

It was confirmed to the Panel that staff costs for projects were an eligible expenditure and that workshops had been held to understand the problems experienced when securing funding. The team further advised that a library of resources had been created along with standard information to assist further projects in their development. It was noted that this was an evolving model and would develop organically as required.

The Panel heard that following the first round of funding, the team had discovered that ambition was good, by keeping tight timescales the process kept moving with positive responses. The team reflected that applications had come in from similar areas and that going forward it was noted that a communications plan and resource were in place and that support from Members would be appreciated to help spread across the district.

It was further observed that Covid had proved the resilience of communities across the district and that the data available through the projects allowed for further learnings and understandings on this.

The Panel heard that a further role out of the project was planned with a launch event planned in late January 2026 with many local businesses and organisations expected to attend. It was also noted that part of the strategy was to further collaborate with partner organisations including North West Anglian NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire Constabulary to adopt and improve the funding model and ways of working.

The Panel praised an excellent report and presentation and were pleased to learn that the Council were early adopters and influencers in this field.