The report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, (Document “M”) summarises the work of Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) in supporting communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley Area.

Recommended –

That the wide range of activities undertaken by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action to support communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley Area be noted.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee) 

(Paul Stephens – 01535 665258)

The report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Sport, (Document “M”) summarised the work of Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary Community Action (KIVCA) in supporting communities and voluntary organisations in the Keighley area.

The background to the report explained the objectives of KIVC’s work including:-

·        To support organisations, charities, individuals and local groups in practical ways  to achieve their own aims and develop new projects to meet local needs

·        To help people to influence how services were developed, funded and delivered

·        To bring people together to create solutions that help local people and communities

It was explained that the work was carried out by KIVCA’s team which consisted of paid staff and volunteers. The trustees all represented voluntary organisations and KIVCA had 180 members who were almost entirely local groups.

It was reported that KIVCA was based at Central Hall, and had an office base in Ilkley. They also worked across the Bradford District in partnership with others, to create a stronger voice for the voluntary sector and the public to influence commissioning and service delivery, and address inequalities while building the resilience and capacity of the Voluntary and Community Sector to be effective partners at local and district levels, and service delivery organisations.

More recent developments since the preparation of the agenda were reported and included that the organisation had been successful in their application to deliver the Healthwatch commission for the next three years.

Members were advised that KIVCA had taken the lead on the first stage of the Keighley Community Led Local Development Programme.  The first stage had been completed and a Local Development Strategy had been submitted.  If that strategy was approved by the Leeds Enterprise Partnership it could attract £3million pounds of European Funding so long as much funding could be found.

Proposals for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) planned in December 2016 included that members would be asked to vote on merger plans, currently being developed, for the organisation to merge with Bradford Community Voluntary Service and Shipley and Bingley Voluntary Service by April 2017.

The report revealed that KIVCA was funded from a number of sources including commissions from Bradford Council.  Members questioned that funding and were informed that Community Development Commissioning funding would be ending in March 2017.  In March 2015 a new Infrastructure Commission had received a grant from the Local Authority.  The commission was now beginning to generate income by trading services.

A Member advised that in Appendix B to the Document “M” Healthwatch should be included in the Keighley East Ward.  He questioned the support reported in Appendix B, for some groups believed to be in opposition to Bradford Council actions.  In response it was confirmed that the groups were not receiving financial support but were being assisted with funding advice.

Resolved –

That the wide range of activities undertaken by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) be noted and activities to assist communities and voluntary organisations be supported.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

Action: Strategic Director, Environment and Sport