Document Grant Funding - Community Defibrillators

The Committee’s approval was sought to replace three community defibrillators at different locations in the borough, originally installed by, but not maintained by the Council.  It was noted that colleagues in Assets and Regeneration had embarked on a rolling programme for the maintenance and replacement of units at Council owned venues, including parks and open spaces.

Members agreed that the provision of defibrillators was very important and were supportive both of their replacement and the proposal to invite the three named organisations to apply for one-off funding to assist with the installation of the units, a cabinet to house it, signage, maintenance costs and eventual replacement of units going forward as responsibility would rest with them instead of the Council.

Officers proposed that a formal memorandum of understanding be entered into with each recipient body to whom a grant was made setting out the obligations in relation to use of the grant.  Members agreed this approach was consistent with other grant arrangements.

The proposed budget of £7,500 was considered sufficient.  In addition, it was agreed to signpost organisations to match funding opportunities to meet on-going maintenance costs post funding.  Consideration of alternative sites was appropriate if other sites ceased to become available.

Officers agreed to confirm to Members the current locations and maintenance requirements of the existing defibrillators with a view to identifying where there might be gaps and to prioritise connections to blue light services.

Resolved that –

i)          the proposed direction to replace the identified defibrillator units, located at community buildings not operated by the Council, be approved; and

ii)         the sum of £7,500, allocated from within 2024/25 Community Services budgets, be approved, for the provision of grants to three identified community organisations.