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Council Minutes
June 2003
25th June 2003
Core Funding Victims Committee Meeting
25 June 2003
Present: John Cousins (Chair), Chris O'Halloran, Sheena Funston, Marie Hélène Knox, Caroline Wilson, Jim Campbell
In attendance: Derrick Mathews, Joan Clements, Micháela Mackin, Carol Taylor
Observers: Caroline Evans, Anne O'Connell
Apologies: Brian Mullan, Maureen Hetherington, Sheila-Jayne Malley
1.0 Minutes and Matters arising
2.1 Ms O'Connell tabled a report from Ms Todd re: HURT and PAIN.
It was agreed that a letter be issued to the groups which would inform them that their application had been unsuccessful and that they would be encouraged to apply to the small grants scheme. They would also be given reasons as to why they were unsuccessful and information on the review procedure.
2.2 Due to workloads regarding reviews Officers were unable to query the sickness pay matter and it was agreed that a response would be available for the next meeting.
The minutes were then accepted.
3.0 Letter from Review Panel to Core Funding Committee
A letter for the committee from Dr Duncan Morrow – Chair of the Review Panel was passed to members.
Mr Cousins addressed each item detailed in the letter:
1. Pensions
Members were reminded that the CF Committee were making a contribution to salaries. The following discussion points were raised:
It is not our position to act as the employer and if groups wished to provide pension costs from the contribution proffered they were entitled to do so.
It was noted that pensions are more costly in the community sector and the wages would be lowered considerably if the groups did take it from the contribution.
It was suggested if possible we should reconsider funding pensions, since it is difficult to fundraise for pensions.
It was noted that groups were at liberty within their contract to get additional support from other funding providers to increase funding for salaries.
It was questioned if there are policies in other funding areas in relation to pensions.
Approximately 10 out of 64 groups asked for contributions to pension costs.
It was noted that we should try to encourage retention of staff as a matter of promoting good practice.
It was reported that to provide pensions to groups an approximate cost would be a quarter of a million.
It was stated that there is provision set aside for new groups and for reviews.
A question around whether the committee should request further funds to cover costs of pensions: VLU advised that since additional provision had already been made it was unlikely that any further funding would be given.
Mr Cousins stated that it would be useful to have a report on pensions for the next meeting. This was agreed.
Action: Paper on pensions to be provided for next committee meeting from Officers.
2) Rent consistency issue.
The Officers advised that some groups had requested to move/relocate to new properties and at assessment visit this was clarified. It was also stated that it is difficult to be consistent e.g. rural/urban costs.
The Review Panel wanted clarification around the type of premises that some groups had acquired, size of property etc. It was agreed that Ms Knox and Ms Clements would meet with such groups.
Action: Ms Knox and Ms Clements to meet group. Paper on rent to be provided for next committee meeting.
3) Language. This issue was agreed.
4) Unique structure of some groups
Group has been treated as 5 separate organisations due to its unique structure. Ms O'Connell asked for a meeting with Ms Todd, Ms Mackin and Dr Morrow to discuss this issue.
Action: Meeting to be arranged. MM
Mr Cousins asked that the letter from the Review Panel be redrafted since some areas were ambiguous.
Action: MM
General:
Mr Cousins stated that in his opinion the CF Committee had done their job to the best of their abilities and within the limitations of time, funding and resources. In addition the Committee had been consistent in its approach.
Mr Cousins asked committee members to determine if a response to the Review Panel should be included in minutes or if a formal letter should be sent. It was agreed that it should be in the body of minutes.
Action: Issue copy of minutes to Review Panel (V+S Team)
4.0 Review Panel Recommendations
The Review Panel upheld the CF Committee's decision of the following groups detailed in the table below:
|
1 |
Prison Service Trust |
8 |
HAVEN |
|
2 |
Belfast Cognitive Therapy Centre |
9 |
West Tyrone Voice |
|
3 |
Conflict Trauma Resource Centre |
10 |
Lifeways |
|
4 |
New Life Counselling |
11 |
Wave – Belfast |
|
5 |
Bannside |
12 |
Wave – Armagh |
|
6 |
STEER |
13 |
Wave – Omagh |
|
7 |
Omagh Self Help |
14 |
Holy Trinity Centre |
15. SHAHW
The Review Panel indicated that their request is not relating to a review of the decision of award but is for re-directing budget headings and that this was a decision for the committee to make. Original award upheld.
16. Wave - Ballymoney
17. Firinne
18. Corpus Christi
19. Koram Centre
(16-19) - Consistent recommendation to cover 60% and not 50% part time worker agreed.
20. SAVER/NAVER
To be discussed further at next CF Committee meeting. Briefing to be provided by CF Assessment Officer.
Action: CFO
21. FACT
To be discussed further at next CF Committee meeting. Briefing to be provided by CF Assessment Officer.
Action: CFO
22. FAIR
To be discussed further at next CF Committee meeting. Briefing to be provided by CF Assessment Officer.
Action: CFO
23. Cunamh
The CF Committee were satisfied that the NIC was duplicated and should not be paid. Committee Decision upheld.
24. Wave – Londonderry
To be discussed further at next CF Committee meeting. Briefing to be provided by CF Assessment Officer.
Action: CFO
25. The ELY Centre
To be discussed further at next CF Committee meeting. Briefing to be provided by CF Assessment Officer.
Action: CFO
26. VAST
Consistent recommendation to support insurance costs was agreed.
General
Officers informed committee that if any pay changes were applicable to the groups this would be amended in the third quarter as payment for the second quarter had already been authorised.
5.0 Any Other Business
Issue of Rent and Rates - some groups have applied for both rent and rates as separate items, others combined the costs together. This raised an issue of consistency. Verification visits to groups should highlight any inconsistencies and any concerns will be brought to the committee as and when they arise. It was also suggested that groups could apply for charitable status – once this had been granted they would not be required to pay rates.
6.0 Date of next meeting
11 September 2003 in Dungannon, CRC
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