StargazingLaugh it off

	Friday, 13 January 2012
	Fund it!
	by Tav

On an 'latest local news' item on the ICHC website it states at the bottom on the article: "Now .. ask YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR what they have done for your area with their funding.". Then shows the list of all local County Councillors but only provides a 'tick' for the two ICHC councillors and a question marks for everyone else. Come on! I welcome them encouraging residents to do a little research into their elected representatives and even call them up to ask, but come on, where's the hyperlink for people to find out? What does an orange tick represent? Oh, I'll do it...

First an explanation! Worcestershire County Council have created the 'Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund' [WCDF], whereby each County Councillor is given, "an allocation of £10,000 (per financial year), to spend on locally-determined initiatives within their Divisions. I believe (please correct me if I'm wrong) the County Council financial year of 2011/12 is from April 2011 to March 2012. So I'll give how much each councillor has allocated so far and how much they have left.

Hold on, before I do I want to add my tuppence worth! I like this scheme; it's simple, dynamic and transparent. It makes for good relations between taxpayer's and members.

Here we go...

Worcestershire Councillors Divisional Fund 2011/12

Cllr. Mumshad Ahmed [St. Georges & St. Oswalds, Labour]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Friends of Springfield Park Purchase of notice board at Springfield Park	£1,095	06-Sep-2011
Worcestershire County Council Assistance with transport costs to off-site facilities for nursery children	£1,000	19-Oct-2011
Friends of Broadwaters To support Broadwaters Christmas Market	£1,200	20-Oct-2011
Friends of St. George's Park To purchase new benches for Park	£1,500	20-Oct-2011
St. George's CE Primary School After School Activities	£1,000	20-Oct-2011

Cllr. Ahmed has used £5,795 and is therefore left with £4,205. He has funded all local (to his division) organisations, I suspect the funding to Worcestershire County Council (ref# EEYN10326) is for 'assistance with transport costs to off-site facilities for nursery children' is for nursery children in schools in his division, but I have not researched that.

Cllr. John Campion [Bewdley, Conservative]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Community Transport Helpline Voluntary car service for disabled/disadvantaged	£500	06-Sep-2011
Wyre Forest Nightstop & Mediation Scheme Alleviating youth issues in Bewdley/homelessness, etc.	£400	06-Sep-2011
Bewdley Youth Cafe 12 week project introduce computer skills - Graffiti and music workshop to young people	£1,500	21-Sep-2011
Rhyd Covert Scout Group Refurb' or shower block/update assault course	£1,000	13-Oct-2011
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community To deliver Healthy Living Programme to Primary Schools within Division	£1,500	20-Oct-2011

Cllr. Campion has used £4,900 and has £5,100 yet to be allocated.

Cllr. Stephen Clee [Chaddesley, Conservative]

Organisation

Funding

Date

Cllr. Clee has yet to allocate any of his £10,000 to any organisations, perhaps he's undecided.

Cllr. Nathan Desmond [Kidderminster St. Johns, Conservative]

Organisation	Funding	Date
St. Cecilia's Church Community fun day event	£800	23-Sep-2011
Birchen Coppice Primary School After School Activities	£2,000	12-Oct-2011
Birchen Coppice Primary School Drumming Project	£200	24-Oct-2011
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community To deliver Healthy Living Programme to Primary Schools (Birchen Coppice, Foley Park and St. Mary's)	£1,500	28-Oct-2011
Wyre Forest Gold To help fund distribution of information highlighting leisure activities and opportunities to adults with learning disabilities within the Division	£100	11-Nov-2011
St. Peter's Church, Birchen Coppice To purchase equipment for a youth cafe open to 12-17yr olds	£500	11-Nov-2011
St. Mary's CE Primary School Kidderminster New books	£300	23-Nov-2011
14th Kidderminster Birchen Coppice Scouts To purchase tents to enable scout groups to camp together	£800	24-Nov-2011
Kidderminster Ex-Service Association Social benefits for dependants of ex-military service personnel	£200	24-Nov-2011
Samurai Judo Club Separate alcove mat area	£300	25-Nov-2011
Birchen Coppice Primary School Kidderminster To enable the school to purchase new books, improving children's learning and knowledge	£300	01-Dec-2011
Friends of Springfield Park Financial assistance towards purchase of extra facilities for the park, e.g., litter bins, notice boards and a picnic area	£300	08-Dec-2011
YMCA Redditch Provision of a table tennis table at the Youth Club	£450	08-Dec-2011
Tree Tops Children's Centre Financial assistance to purchase better equipment for the outdoor area	£300	15-Dec-2011
Severn Area Rescue Association Financial assistance to purchase vital equipment to enable volunteers to save lives	£300	15-Dec-2011

Cllr. Desmond has allocated £8,350.00 and has £1,650.00 left. I'm not quite sure how £450 to YMCA Redditch fulfils the rule, 'to spend on locally-determined initiatives within their Divisions'. However Nathan has spread his allocations over many organisations.

Cllr. Marcus Hart [Kidderminster St. Johns, Conservative]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Kidderminster Scouts (Activities) Contribution towards Scout group activity - 3 day mountain walking expedition in February 2011	£747	06-Sep-2011
Wyre Forest Nightstop & Mediation Scheme Support to alleviate youth issues /reducing offending / homelessness, etc. in the Division	£500	07-Sep-2011
Odell Trust Supporting the modification and redecoration	£500	21-Sep-2011
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community Deliver a schools healthy living programme to St Johns CE Primary School/Sutton Park Community Primary School	£1,000	03-Oct-2011
Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau Costs attached to telephone service	£250	03-Oct-2011
Community Transport Helpline Supporting disadvantaged and disabled with Community Transport Voluntary Car Service	£250	03-Oct-2011
Baxter College Subsidise a creative arts/physical education residential 4 days at Dunfield House	£1,200	05-Oct-2011
Mentor Link Recruitment and training costs	£500	05-Oct-2011
Welcome to Our Future Distribute Sustainable Communities booklet/provide follow up advice and assistance to help improve comm. buildings	£500	18-Oct-2011
KD21 Beaver Scout Colony Purchase of scout tent for 6-8yr olds	£239.99	20-Oct-2011
KD15 Scout Group Tents and cooking equipment	£1,000	20-Oct-2011
St. John's CE Primary School Kidderminster Supporting access to outdoor learning for pupils from low income families	£1,260	28-Oct-2011
Kidderminster Scouts (Activities) Financial support to enable young people to take part in mountain walking activity	£249	01-Nov-2011
Home Start Wyre Forest Contribution towards 45 children and families to The Santa Safari at the West Midlands Safari Park	£250	16-Nov-2011

Cllr. Hart has allocated £8,445.99 and is left with £1,554.01. New to me was the Odell Trust, which I presume means £500 was funded toward the modification and redecoration of the Odell Centre on Plimsol Street, Kidderminster.

Cllr. Anne Hingley [St. Barnabas, Conservative]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community To deliver Healthy Living Programme to Primary Schools (St Catherines, Marlpool Lane, Franche, Franche Community School)	£1,000	14-Oct-2011
Kidderminster Rocks Musical event supporting local Kidderminster charities	£500	20-Oct-2011
Kidderminster Baptist Church Contribution towards provision of new toilets	£2,000	28-Oct-2011
Franche Scout Group KD6 Purchase of dormitory tent	£500	03-Nov-2011

Cllr. Hingley has funded £4,000 in total, leaving £6,000 spare. I noticed that ICHC left out Anne on their checklist. Something she said?

Cllr. Fran Oborski [St. Chads, Liberal]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Friends of St. George's Park To sponsor Community newsletter and Christmas activities in the park	£500	18-Aug-2011
7th Kidderminster Scout Group To support involvement of young people from across the area	£500	19-Aug-2011
7th Kidderminster (St Chads) Brownies To support young girls in a socially deprived area and offer opportunities they would not otherwise receive	£250	19-Aug-2011
Milton Hall Baptist Church To pay for craft materials for weekly craft sessions held at residential home for adults with learning difficulties	£100	25-Aug-2011
Kidderminster-Husum Twinning Association To pay for crocus planting at Husum Way	£500	25-Aug-2011
Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club Provision of more equipment and to widen participation in sport and leisure training events	£500	31-Aug-2011
Mike Oborski Polish Saturday School To support the teaching of the Polish language, history and culture (including the studying of GCSE Polish)	£500	08-Sep-2011
Offmore Comberton Action Group Environmental enhancement of important piece acid wetland	£2,000	21-Sep-2011
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community Deliver a schools healthy living programme to Primary Schools within Division	£1,000>	03-Oct-2011
Cattleya CIC Set up and run a Smoothie Bar for pupils' initiative in King Charles I High School	£500	12-Oct-2011
1st Kidderminster Girls Brigade To support young girls in a socially deprived area and offer opportunities they would not otherwise receive	£500	13-Oct-2011
Kidderminster Rocks Musical event supporting local Kidderminster charities	£500	13-Oct-2011
St. Ambrose Catholic Church Friendship Group	£100	20-Oct-2011
Kidderminster Boys Brigade To support young boys in a socially deprived area participate in positive activities	£500	24-Nov-2011

Cllr. Oborski has allocated £8,200 and has £1,800 left. New to me was 'Cattleya', which from the funding description is a smoothie bar inside King Charles I High School.

Cllr. Jim Parish [Stourport-On-Severn (shared),ICHC]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Stourport Senior Section Girl Guides Contribution to the cost of the bus : Visit to twin town Villeneuve le Roi	£800	19-Aug-2011
Vestia Community Trust Support Programme to help 18-24 yr olds improve skills and employment prospects	£4,800	28-Aug-2011
Stourport Forward A grant to fund part of the cost of developmental support provided to the Stourport Facilities Project Board Steering Group, to enable the transfer of Stourport Civic Centre into community ownership in June 2012	£4,400	15-Dec-2011

Cllr. Parish has allocated all his £10,000 of funding.

Cllr. John Thomas [Stourport-On-Severn (shared),ICHC]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Vestia Community Trust Support Programme to help 18-24 yr olds improve skills and employment prospects	£4,800	28-Sep-2011
Stourport Forward A grant to fund part of the cost of developmental support provided to the Stourport Facilities Project Board Steering Group, to enable the transfer of Stourport Civic Centre into community ownership in June 2012	£5,200	15-Dec-2011

Cllr. Thomas has allocated all his £10,000 of funding.

Cllr. Gordon Yarrington [Cookley, Wolverley & Wribbenhall, Conservative]

Organisation	Funding	Date
Trimpley Village Hall Development project of the Village Hall	£1,000	08-Aug-2011
Wribbenhall Parish Rooms Contribution towards renovation of toilet and kitchen facilities	£1,000	16-Sep-2011
Wolverley Playing Fields Association Update of changing rooms; replacement of training pitches and flood lighting	£2,000	30-Sep-2011
Worcestershire County Council Village signs for Trimpley	£600	10-Oct-2011
Cookley Village Hall Support young people of Cookley and surrounding area by enhancing amenities	£2,000	26-Oct-2011
Trimpley Village Hall Stage lighting	£600	25-Oct-2011

Cllr. Yarrington has allocated £7,200 of funds and so has £2,800 left.

For the local (Wyre Forest) benefactors (the organisations receiving the funding) they have received £66,890.99 from our councillors (this includes Cllr. Desmond's allocation of £450 to YMCA Redditch. Of course there are organisations that involve residents from all other Worcestershire and even further both from our local councillors and councillors elsewhere from divisions in Worcestershire. For instance organisations like 'Active Training & Education Trust', 'KGV Ladies Football Club', and 'The Acquired Aphasia Trust' have received funding. Here is a list of funding by organisation:

Organisation	Funding
Stourport Forward	£9,600
Vestia Community Trust	£9,600
Kidd Harriers Football in the Community	£6,000
Birchen Coppice Primary School	£2,500
Cookley Village Hall	£2,000
Friends of St George's Park	£2,000
Kidderminster Baptist Church	£2,000
Offmore Comberton Action Group	£2,000
Wolverley Playing Fields Association	£2,000
Trimpley Village Hall	£1,600
Worcestershire County Council	£1,600
Bewdley Youth Cafe	£1,500
Friends of Springfield Park	£1,395
St. John's CE Primary School, Kidderminster	£1,260
Baxter College	£1,200
Friends of Broadwaters	£1,200
KD15 Scout Group	£1,000
Kidderminster Rocks	£1,000
Rhyd Covert Scout Group	£1,000
St. George's CE Primary School	£1,000
Wribbenhall Parish Rooms	£1,000
Kidderminster Scouts (Activities)	£996
Wyre Forest Nightstop & Mediation Scheme	£900
14th Kidderminster Birchen Coppice Scouts	£800
St. Cecilia's Church	£800
Stourport Senior Section Girl Guides	£800
Community Transport Helpline	£750
1st Kidderminster Girls Brigade	£500
7th Kidderminster (St. Chads) Brownies	£500
7th Kidderminster Scout Group	£500
Cattleya CIC	£500
Franche Scout Group KD6	£500
Kidderminster Boys Brigade	£500
Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club	£500
Kidderminster-Husum Twinning Association	£500
Mentor Link	£500
Mike Oborski Polish Saturday School	£500
Odell Trust	£500
St. Peter's Church, Birchen Coppice	£500
Welcome to Our Future	£500
YMCA Redditch	£450
Samurai Judo Club	£300
Severn Area Rescue Association	£300
St. Mary's CE Primary School, Kidderminster	£300
Tree Tops Children's Centre	£300
Home Start Wyre Forest	£250
Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau	£250
KD21 Beaver Scout Colony	£239.99
Kidderminster Ex-Service Association	£200
Milton Hall Baptist Church	£100
St. Ambrose Catholic Church	£100
Wyre Forest Gold	£100
Total	£66,890.99

Sources:
Anon. (2012); 'Councillors Divisional Fund Scheme'; WCC, 6 January 2012
Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund Scheme
Payments made from the Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund Scheme
Meierhans, Jennifer (2012); 'Wyre Forest charities benefit from councillor's fund'; The Shuttle, 17 January 2012 8:40am

Campaigns:

Comments:

Fran Oborski 13 Jan 2012

Cattleya at King Charles I is one of only two Community Interest Companies in the UK to be based in a school. Working in partnership with the Columbian Government it is using Columbian fruit to produce non-alcoholic cocktails and smoothies. It operates "bars" at school functions but is also tendering to provide soft drinks at various public and private functions. Profits are reinvested in the business and it is hoped to raise funds to bring young people from Columbia to the UK. For info ref Nathan, Redditch YMCA are the "provider" for the youth work at Dowles Road Centre on Rifle Range estate.

Tav 13 Jan 2012

Wow, the Cattleya smoothie bar is a fantastic idea. They should open a temporary smoothie bar in the Glades when the roller disco is going on.

Fran Oborski 14 Jan 2012

If asked to I am sure they would tender for it.

Howard Martin 16 Jan 2012

Well researched Tav - so once again ICHC and their "closed shop" website have got it completely wrong!

Fran Oborski 16 Jan 2012

I have just allocated £500 to Churches Together in Kidderminster to enable the initial setting up and publicity for a Foodbank to be operated from Baxter Church. It is a frightening indictment of our society and this Government that, in 2012, there are local families who need regular food hangouts to help them to survive! I am pleased to be able to help but horrified that this help is needed.

FlipC 17 Jan 2012

Just one query - If the monies are for the benefit of each councillor's "division" how is it that both Fran and Mumshad could both spend some of it on the Friends of St George's Park? This isn't a negative criticism simply a query of the rules and guidelines regarding allocation.

Howard Martin 18 Jan 2012

@FlipC: It was different projects at different times re Fran and Mumshads support of FoStG and the group serves residents in more than one county division.

Fran Oborski 19 Jan 2012

FOSG, the park is actually in Mumshad's Division but it serves my Division as well. It is the only public open space to which the residents of the Greenhill part of my Division have access.

FlipC 20 Jan 2012

@Fran and Howard: Yep that's fair enough it applies under "for the well-being of their Electoral Division" even though it contradicts "'good works' within their Division"; perhaps a councillor should point this out? I recommend a change in wording to "'good works' that benefit their Division".

FlipC 24 Jan 2012

As an aside I'm sure all our County representatives are overjoyed that the Shuttle has recognised the monies spent from this fund... well okay I'm sure Cllr. Clee is overjoyed.

Tav 24 Jan 2012

Well I'm glad Cllr. Clee has finally woken up to his councillor duties. I was going write an open letter asking why he thinks the good people of Chaddesley division don't deserve council funds.

Fran Oborski 25 Jan 2012

Pity more of Steve's money didn't go to Spennells!

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