Issue - meetings

The Board received a briefing paper on the new Challenge Fund for Social Housing / Family Intervention Projects (FIPs) initiative that has recently been launched by the Government.

The Board was advised that the funding was intended to assist tenants in social housing ho faced eviction or other enforcement action due to anti social behaviour or other problems.

Prior to discussion the Board watched a film produced by ? on how an existing FIP operated in Bolton.

The Board discussed the merits of bidding for funding and there was agreement that rather than creating a new project any bid should be based on enhancing an existing project. This would also be beneficial in terms of the bidding process as it had been indicated that projects demonstrating sustainability would be considered more favourably.

It was noted that the Safer Communities Team had recently began a FIP to tackle gang crime and to take practical measures to prevent young people becoming gang members. There may be an opportunity to expand on this project.  

The Chair endorsed this approach and officers agreed to work up a bid on this basis.

RESOLVED:

1. That the briefing be noted.

2. That officers should work up a bid for funding, to extend an existing project in the Borough and report back the Board at its next meeting.