Belfast City Council

Report to: Policy & Resources Committee

Subject:         Request for Funding Common Purpose Belfast

Date:             19 January 2007

Reporting Officer:       David Cartmill, Acting Head of Directorate Support

Contact Officer:         David Cartmill, Acting Head of Directorate Support

Relevant Background Information
This paper presents for consideration a request for financial assistance for a sum of £8,400 to Common Purpose Belfast in connection with its 2007 Matrix programme. The Council has given support to Common Purpose Belfast since its inception in 1996. Assistance to past programmes covers three areas:- 1. Hosting both the launch and the `Government Day' of the programme including the provision of refreshments and use of accommodation. 2. Funding two Bursaries annually (for Community/Voluntary sector applicants) 3. Participation of one Council Member and one Officer in each years programme. This request relates to item 2 where Belfast City Council has in the past offered funding towards bursaries for course applicants who are unable to meet participation costs.

Key Issues
The Common Purpose Programme is designed to draw together leaders and senior managers from all walks of life who could potentially play a role in shaping the future of Belfast. Previous participation by Council members and staff has been viewed as highly beneficial in terms of course content and the level of contacts established. In light of the expanded role anticipated for the Council following Local Government reform it is considered important that the Council remains involved and supportive of Belfast Common Purpose. Having said this, the Committee is aware of pressures on Council resources. Costs to the Council to assist Common Purpose are increasing annually. It is proposed therefore, that the course organisers should be advised that future subvention of development courses by Belfast City Council will be reviewed prior to consideration of assistance for the 2008 programme.

Resource Implications
Financial The amount sought is £8,400. Resources are available from current budget. Human Resources None. Asset and Other Implications None.

Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee - (i) Continues to support Belfast Common Purpose for a further year by contributing £8,400 towards the provision of 2 Bursary placements on the 2007 programme. (ii) Agrees that a short evaluation exercise is conducted in-house to assess the extent and benefits of Council support for external development programmes such as Common Purpose. The results of the exercise would be used to assist the Committee in determining future levels of support.

Key to Abbreviations
None.

Documents Attached
None.