An application of a £750 grant from EnviroAbility was questioned by members of Ross-on-Wye Town Council at their meeting on Monday, June 13th.

In the application, it was explained that the £750 was needed for EnviroAbility to put towards their insurance costs of their Shopmobility scheme, where they lend out equipment, such as mobility scooters, for people with limited abilities in the town.

Grant applications are usually dealt with by the Finance and Personnel Committee of Ross Town Council. However, the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Julian Gren advised members that the application had been referred to Full Council because the application did not meet the grant criteria.

He explained that they did not want to refuse the money, but perhaps a grant was not the most suitable course of action for the Ross-based charity.

The Mayor of Ross, Cllr David Ravenscroft said that route of action was the only budget available to groups, wishing to apply for grants from the Town Council.

Cllr Jane Roberts said that EnviroAbility can only run the project if they have enough money for their insurance costs. She said she believed that the matter was straightforward, and the grant should be awarded.

Cllr Ravenscroft said that from his understanding, the matter had been referred to Full Council because the Finance Committee were unable to make a decision based on their policy, as EnviroAbility’s application did not comply. He added that the Full Council did have the power to make the decision to award the money, if it saw fit.

Cllr Richard Mayo commented that every year, a grant application from EnviroAbilty comes in, and quite often, their progress reports are vague. He said if they want money every year, the Council would need more comprehensive reports as to how the charity was coming along.

Cllr Roberts proposed that the grant be awarded to EnviroAbility. This was out to a vote; seven Councillors were in favour, and seven were against. As the Mayor had voted in favour, his was the casting vote, and the money was awarded to the charity.