ACTION TAKEN BY CABINET MEMBER UNDER DELEGATED POWERS (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) Subject Grant applications 2004/05 - Delegated Grants Report no.

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1 ACTION TAKEN BY CABINET MEMBER UNDER DELEGATED POWERS (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) Subject Grant applications 2004/05 - Delegated Grants Report no. 18 Cabinet Member Performance, Partnerships & Best Value Date of decision 31 January 2005 Date decision comes into effect Summary Officer Contributors Status (public or exempt) Wards affected Enclosures Reason for exemption from call-in (if appropriate) 9 February 2005 This report contains six applications from voluntary organisations. Borough Treasurer Public Not applicable Summary of grant recommendations Individual reports Not applicable Contact for further information: Angela Corbett, Grants Officer, Grants Unit Serial No. GTS 279(1/05)CA158

2 1. RELEVANT PREVIOUS DECISIONS 1.1 Cabinet 21/5/2001-6: adoption of scheme of delegated powers, vesting authority in the appropriate Cabinet Member to approve grants up to 20, Cabinet 3/9/ : approval of principles and criteria for grant aid over the four years, , with the primary aims of targeting support to facilitate the Council's policy framework and continuing to create resources to promote new initiatives developed either by new organisations or within those currently receiving grant support. 1.3 Council 2/3/ : approval of Borough Treasurer's Service Performance Management Plan and budget for 2004/ CORPORATE PRIORITIES AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS 2.1 The Corporate Plan sets out as one of the Council s key priorities Supporting the Vulnerable in our Community, acknowledging that every sector of every community young, old, those with particular needs has a right to lead full and independent lives. Barnet is committed to helping people to be part of successful and well-balanced communities, helping all people to feel involved and removing barriers which prevent them from participating fully in the life of the community. 2.2 The grants recommended with this report supports the objective of providing opportunities for people to help others; apply and develop their skills; and contribute to an improved quality of life in their local communities. It also accords with the Borough Treasurer s Service Performance Management Plan and the four year development programme, which includes offering a mix of funding types, including one-off and start-up grants, to ensure that the grants programme remains flexible and responsive to changing priorities, and focusing on meeting quality standards and attaining outcomes. 3. RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES 3.1 All grants are made subject to the Council s Standard Conditions of Grant Aid, with which applicants are required to signify their compliance by signing a written undertaking. Amongst other things, the conditions cover how awards are spent, allowing Council officers a right of access to proof thereof, and requiring notification of any change in an organisation s circumstances which significantly affect its finances, operations or grant entitlement. The Council reserves the right to withhold payment of any approved grant, or to demand full or partial repayment, if it appears that an organisation has failed to comply with any of the conditions attached to the award. 4. FINANCIAL, STAFFING, ICT AND PROPERTY IMPLICATIONS 4.1 Set out below are details of the funds available for 2004/05, showing the sums allocated to date at meetings of the Cabinet and the Cabinet Resources Committee in March & June 2004 and Delegated Grants reports nos 1-17 (latter circulating): 2

3 Budget item General Fund: Budget 2004/05 Approvals / Commitments to date Funds available Recommended herewith main fund 927, ,660 less reserve for fixed-term grants 252, ,271 5,600 small grants 100,000 57,820 42,180 7,000 less reserve for fixed-term awards contracts 425, ,974 TOTAL 1,453,670 1,307, ,451 12,600 Edward Harvist Charity: community fund 55,000 33,215 21,785 training fund 5,000 1,640 3,360 TOTAL 60,000 34,855 25,145 Borough Lottery: TOTAL 15,000 10,000 5, LEGAL ISSUES 5.1 None. 6. CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS 6.1 The Cabinet Member for Performance, Partnerships and Best Value may approve grants to voluntary organisations up to 20,000 per annum (Responsibility for Executive Functions Part 3, paragraph 3). 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 7.1 An individual grant assessment and recommendation is set out in the attached report, indicating the contribution made to corporate policies, preceded by a summary of recommendations. 8. LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS /05 grant applications and related correspondence. 8.2 Any person wishing to inspect the background papers should telephone: Angela Corbett. 3

4 9. DECISION OF THE CABINET MEMBER 9.1 I authorise the awards recommended overleaf subject to the council s conditions of grant aid and to the special conditions set out in the enclosure. Signed Cllr M Freer Cabinet Member for Performance, Partnerships & Best Value Date 31 January

5 Dept Serial No. GTS.279 Please indicate your decision by placing an X against each item under the relevant column SUMMARY OF GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS DELEGATED POWERS REPORT NO. 18 Ref Organisation Grant(s) Recommended Approved Not Approved 44//C/CTY BARNET SOMALI COMMUNITY GROUP 5,600 X at 5, /C/CTY EQUATORIA WOMEN SELF- HELP SOCIETY 1,000 x 13/C/LAP AFRICA FILM TOUR UK LTD NIL x 107/C/VIC COMMUNITY ADVICE NIL x CENTRE LTD 376/E/CTY VOLUNTEER READING HELP 3,000 x BARNET 101/S/PSD DISABILITY ACTION IN THE 3,000 x BOROUGH OF BARNET TOTALS: 7,000 SGF 5,600 GF (KEY: GF GENERAL FUND SGF SMALL GRANTS FUND EHC EDWARD HARVIST CHARITY FUND TDF TRAINING DEVELOMENT FUND Signed: Cllr M Freer Date: 31/1/05 Cabinet Member for Performance, Partnerships and Best Value 5

6 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/2005 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Theme Putting the community first Organisation BARNET SOMALI COMMUNITY GROUP Ref.44/C/CTY Address Barnet Multicultural Community Centre, Algernon Road, NW4 Contribution to policy Through its commitment to work in partnership with local communities, the council wishes to help local people help themselves and to ensure that those in need of support do not become socially excluded. Community based initiatives are encouraged for the benefit of residents, building on the voluntary sector s abilities to develop and deliver services which can improve the quality of life for residents. The work of refugee support groups such as this deals with many of the unmet needs and problems of refugee communities in the borough who mainly live on benefits and are vulnerable to social exclusion. The information and advice work undertaken reduces the call on council services, particularly welfare benefits. Raising the achievement of bilingual and minority ethnic pupils is a key element of national policy and local education strategy. African children now form 11% of the borough s school population and their educational achievements have a significant impact on the overall LEA performance. Somalis form the largest proportion of refugee children in the borough and also the highest percentage of all pupils excluded from mainstream schooling. These children are doubly disadvantaged in not having English as a mother tongue and coming from families on benefits. They are particularly vulnerable as many have a fractured educational experience and have experienced traumatic events in their home country. They tend to become disaffected with school, but have been shown to benefit from efforts to improve literacy levels and increased access to the curriculum. Through their supplementary education classes, which promote access to the education service and help to raise educational achievement, Barnet Somali Community Group contributes to the council s priority to provide a first class education. Outline of activities Barnet Somali Community Group has been established in the borough for over ten years and continues to provide a service of information and support to refugees. The organisation is part of the consortium that works in the Multicultural Community Centre in Algernon Road, West Hendon. It provides a service which promotes the integration and welfare of its community with advice on statutory services, particularly housing, immigration, health, welfare rights and employment. They offer a service of interpretation and translation and a programme of social events. They have two paid posts; a full time co-ordinator and part time education & advice worker and nine volunteers. In 2003/04 the group dealt with 563 advice cases, with help about consumer debt, housing, immigration,and benefits being the main areas of need. The Sunday club now attracts up to 35 women and their children offering literacy, cultural and information sessions. Sports sessions for young people are run at the weekend. An outreach service helps the elderly, lone parents and children with schooling problems. The group has been active in organising meetings to promote closer collaboration between the Somali groups in the borough. 6

7 The supplementary classes have been running since 1995 and now have 87 students attending (80 in 2003) with a waiting list. The pupils aged between 8 16 years attend each Saturday from 11am to 3.30pm for 42 weeks a year. All seven teachers are volunteers and have a relevant professional qualification. English, Science and Maths are taught, with an emphasis on English language. A lot of the teaching is one to one particularly with new students. Classroom assistants are recruited from students taking ESOL or TEFL courses to help with English language. As there is no play space at Algernon Road, the playground in a local school is hired for one hour for pupils lunch break. The application seeks funding for the supplementary classes. The Equalities Adviser comments that this is a well established group which has worked hard to support the integration of its members into the wider community through its activities. It is a vital resource to the needs of the Somali community in terms of advice and referral to council services. It is innovative in its approach and a key partner in working to support the vulnerable in our community. Quality and equality The organisation has an equal opportunities policy which includes employees. Their premises are fully accessible. The elected management committee, which has members of both sexes and two disabled people, deals with any complaints. They hold an annual general meeting. The classes are open to all Somali children irrespective of gender, tribal affiliation, religion or disability. Places are offered on a first come first served basis. Progress reports from schools show marked improvement in educational achievement. The organisation completed its PQASSO accreditation in 2001 and has also achieved Quality Marks from the Legal Service Commission and the Office of the Immigration Services Commission. Further training in asylum law was undertaken during the year to offer advice at level 2. Other training has been undertaken in classroom management, accounts, advice work and strategic planning. Cost and financial need The accounts to 31 March 2004 show cash assets of 29,796, of which 25,796 was restricted leaving 4, % of turnover. The restricted funds represent advance payment for salaries from charitable sources. The pre-grant budget shortfall projected for the year is 12,917. The post of co-ordinator is funded by the Community Fund for three years from The advice worker post is financed by Comic Relief ( 3875) until 2004 and the community education officer by BBC Children in Need ( 4,500) until A grant of 5,808 is sought towards the running costs of the supplementary classes. This organisation has been very fortunate in having volunteer teachers who only claim 7 a day for out of pocket expenses. ( 2,058 over 42 weeks). Administrative costs, including teaching materials plus hall and playground hire, amount to 3,750. 7

8 In 2003/04 the organisation received a grant of 5,500 to run the classes. Support of 5,600 is recommended for this year to ensure their continuation as most families are on benefits and cannot contribute to the cost of the classes. Grant recommendation, type and conditions 5,600 Project grant 1 year revenue grant * One off start up grant Special conditions (if any): None. Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only, maximum 3 years in principle) N/A. Target grant outcomes Provision of supplementary education classes offering curriculum support to 87 Somali pupils aged 8-16 years for 4 hours on Saturdays for 42 weeks a year. January

9 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/2005 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Policy Putting the community first Organisation EQUATORIA WOMEN SELF-HELP SOCIETY Ref:121/C/CTY Address C/o 17 Station Road, New Barnet, Herts Contribution to policy Through its commitment to work in partnership with local communities, the Council wishes to help local people help themselves and to ensure that those in need of support do not become socially excluded. Community based initiatives are encouraged for the benefit of residents, building on the voluntary sector s abilities to develop and deliver services which can improve the quality of life for residents. The work of refugee support groups such as this deals with many of the unmet needs and problems of refugee communities in the borough who mainly live on benefits and are vulnerable to social exclusion. This reduces the call on Council services for benefits and housing advice, information on educational and medical needs and, potentially, social services support. The Equatoria Women Self Help Society seeks to help women into employment through the provision of English classes and promoting social enterprises and small businesses. Outline of activities / service evaluation This organisation was set up in 2002 with the aim of developing the skills of women refugees from the Nile region of Africa so that they can seek employment and also to develop their own social enterprises. Members come from the Southern Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia. The organisation hopes to reach 300 members who will benefit from the programmes they are offering. It moved into its own office in The organisation is run by six volunteers. Self help initiatives are encouraged and one member has set up a hair plaiting business. The skills building programme covers handicrafts such as needlework and knitting. English classes are offered to improve employment opportunities. The Nile Catering Services has been set up as a social enterprise providing for special events, office/ family parties and business entertaining. Income generated is helping to support the organisation. Some advice work is undertaken, with mainly signposting offered. Youth activities are being organised within the community and work on drug and alcohol usage is planned. In 2003/04 13 community workshops and social events were held and strong partnerships developed with other organisations with the aim of promoting social inclusion. The application seeks funding for a computer, printer and fax for the office, administrative, publicity and volunteer costs. Quality and equality The quality of the management committee and administration is being improved through training and PQASSO quality assurance training is being completed. There is an equal opportunities policy. 9

10 Cost and financial need The accounts to March 2004 show a break even position. Income during the year consisted of grants from Awards for All ( 4,960) for training, hall hire & administration, volunteers and teachers fees & office equipment and the Scarman Trust ( 2,000) towards their African craft and needlework project. Other funds came from fundraising ( 755) and membership fees ( 425), a total of 8,140. The budget for 2004/05 is 16,432, of which 14,500 is anticipated in grants. A profit of 1,680 is estimated from the catering service. The application seeks 4,977 to pay for publicity leaflets ( 400), office overheads ( 1,342), office equipment ( 1,200) and volunteering costs ( 2,035). While the focus of this application is on helping women into employment, there is some overlap with existing organisations offering services for women and children from the same region. None, however, are developing social enterprises, nor are based in the east of the borough. With the demise this year of one African women s group which has not been able to deliver a service, and a consequent saving of 2,300, a one-off grant of 1,000 to support this new group s employment programme is recommended for support. Grant recommendation, type and conditions 1,000 Project grant 1-year revenue grant One-off or start-up grant * Special conditions (if any): None. Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only, maximum 3 years in principle) N/A Target grant outcomes To continue to develop a programme helping refugee women into employment. January

11 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/2005 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Policy Putting the community first Organisation AFRICAN FILM TOUR UK LTD Ref: 13/C/LAP Address Contribution to policy 74 Park Lane, Tottenham, London N17 0JR The council continues to work in partnership with local communities and especially with voluntary groups which can improve the quality of life for residents. Professional groups working with local cultural and ethnic groups can develop art and cultural activities which extend participation in the arts. Outline of activities / service evaluation This is a not for profit organisation set up in 2004 to showcase independent, foreign and documentary films as well as other forms of art and culture, including visual arts, performing and literary arts thereby promoting diversity and unity. As part of a London wide tour, funding is sought for an African Film Festival for borough residents to be held at the Multicultural Centre in West Hendon. This would be held initially at the end of February and would showcase top African films not yet seen in the UK at affordable prices. This would raise awareness of black/african art, literature and culture. In tandem a media package would be available for every school in Barnet which would include material for two hours of workshops and seminars. This would enable students to gain in-depth knowledge of the African cinema and understand it in a historical, political and social context. Two further screenings would be held in Barnet during the summer. It is expected that 350 people in total would attend the screenings and two schools would choose to become involved. A modest charge would be made for the film with the workshops being free. The cultural development officer comments that the project has many merits in taking quality films that would not normally reach cinemas or TV to appropriate BME groups in London. To some extent it meets corporate priorities in reaching vulnerable sectors through the Multicultural Centre and could aid community education. However, the project is not developed enough to provide a convincing argument. Although the workshops could be a useful addition, there is the question of local relevance as the same package seems to be duplicated all over London. The target audience is likely to be the people who would be prepared to travel to inform their interests. There is not sufficient direct and active participation of Barnet communities to be able to meet priorities. Quality and equality The organisation has an experienced film maker as its founder, who was trained at the Nigerian Television Authority, has several TV films to his credit and has organised two film festivals. The organisation has the support of the British Film Institute and UK Film Council. Monitoring will be carried out through questionnaires and surveys. 11

12 Cost and financial need The overall cost of the film tour in London boroughs is shown as 86,012 with income of 107,500 projected. The Barnet project is estimated at 8,200 with income of the same amount required. 5,000 requested in the application would enable the preliminary publicity ( 1,000) and payment for 3 films ( 1,500) and venue hire ( 500) to go ahead for the first showing. Other overheads including administration, transport and equipment hire would cost a further 1,500. The cost of further showings in the summer would amount to 3,700. Film London and box office receipts would contribute the balance of 3,200. Users would be charged 2 for each showing. In view of the comments of the cultural development officer, no grant is recommended. Grant recommendation, type and conditions Nil Project grant 1-year revenue grant One-off or start-up grant Special conditions (if any): Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only, maximum 3 years in principle) N/A Target grant outcomes N/A January

13 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/2005 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Policy Putting the community first Organisation COMMUNITY ADVICE CENTRE LTD Ref:107/C/VIC Address 7b High Street, Barnet, Herts EN5 5UE Contribution to policy The council continues to work in partnership with local communities and especially with voluntary groups which can improve the quality of life for residents. The council attaches a high priority to reducing crime and the fear of crime in Barnet and is committed to working with the Metroplitan Police and other local partners on a range of crime reduction and community safety strategies. The Safer Communities Strategy 2002/2005, produced in accordance with statutory duties, underpins the work of the local partnerships. This new organisation was set up to help black women fleeing domestic violence. It effectively acts as a one stop shop signposting the relevant agencies and now also offers general information and advice on housing, welfare benefits, employment and training. Its user group is primarily, but not exclusively, African. Outline of activities / service evaluation The organisation moved into an office in Barnet High Street in September and is run by three volunteers. They aim to help women considering leaving home because of domestic violence and are able to offer relevant advice including referrals to Women s Aid, family solicitors, counsellors, etc. They have helped 20 women in domestic violence situations since they opened the office, and dealt with a further 200 referrals for basic information and advice on benefits, debts, housing, employment and training. The group had also been using the meeting room at Burnt Oak library for advice sessions, but have now consolidated their activities in High Barnet. The volunteers are able to deal with case work and will follow-through to the level of county court hearings if necessary. The application seeks a grant towards the group s work on domestic violence. Quality and equality One volunteer is a qualified solicitor and other volunteers have attended training courses on domestic violence. The advice centre is committed to non-discriminatory policies. Cost and financial need The budget for the first year of operating shows projected income of 23,540 with expenditure of 5,000. Initial funding of 9,540, which enabled the office to open, came through Fast Forward. Clients who are not on benefits are asked to contribute towards the cost of any casework undertaken. The cost of the domestic violence work is estimated at 5,000 which is sought in the application. 13

14 With a surplus projected for the year in the budget, there is no need for grant aid. Should the organisation need financial support in the future, funds are available through the Safer Communities Team for domestic violence projects that meet the criteria. Grant recommendation, type and conditions Nil Project grant 1-year revenue grant One-off or start-up grant Special conditions (if any): Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only, maximum 3 years in principle) N/A Target grant outcomes N/A January

15 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/2005 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Policy Putting the community first Organisation VOLUNTEER READING HELP BARNET Ref: 376/E/CTY Address Suite 101, 254 Belsize Road, Lodnon NW6 4BT Contribution to policy The council continues to work in partnership with local communities and voluntary groups. Community based initiatives are encouraged, building on the voluntary sector s abilities to develop and deliver services which can improve the quality of life for residents. The use of volunteers in schools is widespread, although not many are formally trained as with Volunteer Reading Help (VRH). The use of volunteers from ethnic minorities provides positive role models for children, particularly as many Barnet families do not have English as the first language spoken at home (140 languages at last count). This project is invaluable in helping pupils who are experiencing difficulties with reading and provides one-to-one support which helps develop confidence at the crucial primary stage. The service helps to meet one of the council s key priorities. A first class education. The link with VRH will be written into the 2005/06 EDP. It also provides further opportunities for active community involvement for older residents. Outline of activities / service evaluation Volunteer Reading Help (VRH) is a national charity with separate local branches with their own committee and local organiser. The organisation aims to enable children to become confident and literate for life through the sustained support of trained volunteers. Nationally nearly 3,000 volunteers help over 8,000 children with reading problems each year in more than 1,500 schools. The Barnet branch was set up in 1998 with an organiser who places, trains and manages the volunteers. In 2003 it was amalgamated with the Brent branch to form the North West London branch. There are now 90 volunteers, 75 of them in Barnet, who have been trained and placed in 40 primary schools helping over 240 children aged between 6-11 years. The application seeks funding to recruit, train, support and monitor three additional volunteers to help meet the growing demand from schools for VRH s help. This would enable more schools to receive twice weekly help for children in greatest need of individual attention. The curriculum adviser for Secondary English and Literacy comments that VRH Barnet has been a tremendous success with volunteers in 40 primary schools. The organisation is very well managed and volunteers are trained and supported effectively on an ongoing basis. There have been real, sustained learning gains for many pupils. VRH is reliant on grants and donations. 15

16 Quality and equality VRH has stringent and well developed sets of criteria for different aspects of the service. The training programme is endorsed by the Department of Education and Skills Standards and Effectiveness Unit. There is a Safe from Harm code of practice. Quality of delivery is ensured through close monitoring of the project. There is a national Health and Safety policy and all volunteers receive appropriate training in this area. There is a robust equal opportunities policy in relation to both staff and users. All staff are monitored and trained in equal opportunities and diversity management. Cost and financial need The accounts to March 2004 show cash assets of 14, which represents 03 of turnover. The overall budget for 2004/05 is 57,870 with income of 55,231 projected. The salaries of four part time workers are 36,077. Premises rental is 6,345 a year. Each volunteer receives a box of books and games to support their work which together with training costs 3,304 a year. Other costs relate to administration and management support. Schools will contribute 12,600 this year, the Children s Fund 14,000, LEA 6,000, fundraising 9,730 and local trusts 5,500. Other funds are raised through donations. The budget deficit is 2,640. The additional cost of recruiting and training three new volunteers for Barnet will be 4,378 less a contribution of 378 from the schools which will benefit. ( 126 per volunteer). VRH last received a grant in 2002/03 when 3,000 was awarded towards the cost of recruiting and training more volunteers from ethnic minorities. The budget shortfall on this training ( 4,000) is sought in the application, towards which a contribution of 3,000 is recommended. Grant recommendation, type and conditions 3,000 Project grant 1-year revenue grant One-off or start-up grant * Special conditions (if any): Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only, maximum 3 years in principle) N/A Target grant outcomes To recruit and train three volunteers to help primary school children who have difficulties in reading. January

17 GRANT APPLICATION 2004/05 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION Policy Putting the community first Organisation DISABILITY ACTION IN THE BOROUGH OF BARNET Ref 101/S/PSD Address 954 High Road, N12 Contribution to policy The council is committed to providing care and support for people most in need in the community by working with partners and developing community based initiatives. This includes working with the voluntary sector to help local people help themselves within their own community and ensuring that they do not become socially excluded. Disability Action in the Borough of Barnet (DabB) aims to ensure that anyone with a physical disability or sensory impairment living in the borough, or their carer, is aware of the services and opportunities available to them and can play as full a role as possible in the life of the community. This is achieved by promoting a greater understanding of the aspirations, rights and needs of disabled people and by acting as an information resource on all aspects of disability, including advice, individual casework/advocacy and a range of practical support services. These services enhance those offered through mainstream funding and allow people who do not wish to go through the social services assessment route, a means of access to advice and support directly from an independent agency. Outline of activities/project and service evaluation Dabb provides: * free and confidential advice and information on five days a week, mainly relating to welfare rights; equipment and adaptations; transport; housing; and care at home; * assistance with form-filling, letter-writing and with reviews and appeals; * a volunteer home visiting scheme matching volunteers with isolated disabled people for companionship and help with practical tasks; * regular newsletters, fact sheets and information packs, including employment and volunteering opportunities for disabled people; * disability equality training to organisations; * a garden clearance scheme; * charity fundraising for individuals and assistance with arranging holidays. These services are complemented by management of three semi-independent projects:- * Barnet Independent Living Agency (BILA), which provides personal assistants for severely disabled people and enables them to take advantage of direct payments legislation, and care brokerage for people who are not eligible for direct payments; * the Skylark counselling service, to help people come to terms with a disability; * Access in Barnet, promoting access to the built environment for disabled people. Employing five full time and 14 part-time staff supported by 20 volunteers, DabB supports over 2,000 clients and receives up to 6,000 enquiries each year. DabB has been slowly increasing its range of services and staff over the last few years and have been looking for larger premises. They now plan to move to Melville House in Woodhouse Road at the end of February. This application seeks funding towards the cost of the move. 17

18 Quality and equality DabB is committed to providing an impartial, confidential and immediate response to anyone needing its services within the framework of its equal opportunities policy, which covers service delivery and employment. Staff attend relevant training; leaflets have been translated into several community languages; and DabB employs sign language interpreters and lip speakers at its public meetings. Over 80% of its executive committee are people with disabilities. It has been accredited for a further year with a Quality Mark by the Community Legal Service for its advice work. Cost and financial need Excluding BILA, which is self-financing through the imposition of charges to clients, DabB has an annual turnover of c 170,000. A service level agreement with Community Care, which for 2003/04 amounted to 63,654, meets approximately 36% of core costs. Over the last three years, DabB has successfully diversified its range of funding sources such that last year just under 100,000 was generated from charitable trusts and special grants towards supporting specific posts and projects. Net current assets at 31/3/2004 were 158,517, of which 144,042 were restricted or designated funds, leaving an uncommitted balance of 14,475 (9.8% of projected 2004/05 core expenditure). Support from the grants budget since the conversion into a contract of DabB s annual revenue grant has comprised several one-off awards, most recently 4,000 in March 2004 towards their new IT infrastructure. This application is seeking a grant of 5,000 towards removal costs estimated at 17,210. This covers 10K for partitioning, 5,541 for rewiring and reconnecting IT systems, 800 for telephones and 869 for furniture removal costs. Grant recommendation, type and conditions 3,000 Project grant One year revenue grant One-off grant Special conditions: None. * Duration of project and exit strategy (project grants only) N/A Target grant outcomes (for monitoring and evaluation) Towards cost of moving offices. January