Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Online Only
No. | Item |
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Apologies for absence Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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Declarations of Interest Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Feedback on draft report Minutes: There was a discussion around grants from KCC and the potential for a dedicated crowd-funding service. Concerns were raised about the high rates of crowd-funding platforms taking a significant percentage from community-raised funds. It was suggested to explore direct funding applications for more transparency and effectiveness in financial support.
The influence that Thanet can have on Kent was acknowledged, with a strong emphasis on the need for better communication between the different layers of councils. It was suggested to consider the potential impact that closer collaboration with KCC could bring.
A request was made for greater transparency around Section 106 money, particularly in terms of how it is procured from developers and how it is being spent. A demand was made for detailed clarity on the allocation and expenditure of these funds.
There was a recommendation for TDC to adopt a regular bi-monthly advice surgery instead of a forum, providing clearer guidance to the community. An online drop-in session or physical meetings with department heads were proposed to facilitate communication. It was suggested that the council create a structure where tasks are clearly delegated to officers to ensure accountability and follow-up on actions.
A unified direction for Thanet was discussed, with a focus on addressing deprivation and utilizing the council’s diverse approaches. It was emphasized that the third sector operates with smaller budgets but is more flexible, allowing for innovation in deprived areas. KCC has shown interest in supporting these innovative approaches through local councillors.
Communication emerged as a common issue across the discussions, with a focus on bringing different departments and sectors together to tackle shared challenges. The example of Natasha Brown’s energy outreach was highlighted as a model of how outreach and shared experiences can strengthen relationships and improve outcomes. There was also a call for more joined-up thinking across departments to address issues collectively.
The voluntary sector expressed concern about being perceived as performing statutory duties that should be carried out by the council. Volunteers are valuable contributors with important skills, and their role should not be reduced to unpaid labor. There was a call for better partnerships and recognition of the training and mentoring needed for volunteers.
The Community Champions Funding was mentioned as a key opportunity for supporting groups in Thanet. A need to re-evaluate funding strategies, identify new sources, and measure the impact of funding was stressed. The importance of TDC playing a facilitative role in collaborative work was also highlighted.
Heritage was identified as an underappreciated asset in Thanet, with potential for job creation through conservation projects. There was a call for better communication with the conservation department at TDC to enhance the impact of heritage-related work. Michael Foley noted that previous proposals for apprenticeships in the heritage sector should be revisited.
The voluntary and community sector (VCSE) is facing significant financial challenges and must adopt creative approaches to collaboration. It was suggested that TDC play an active role in facilitating this collaboration. The creation of an in-house network was proposed to ... view the full minutes text for item 3. |