Decision details

Summary of Decision

1. Between 17 November 2017 and 15 December 2017, the Council consulted with all Band H Council tax paying properties on a proposal to allow people living in the city’s highest value properties to pay a voluntary contribution to support local priorities and projects. The consultation found a significant showing of support for the scheme.
2. Between 14 December 2022 and 19 January 2023 over 22,000 Band G and H Council tax paying residents were invited to respond to a survey about the Community Contribution Fund. Respondents included residents who had donated to the fund before and those who had not. Results showed that the three areas the fund supports remain priorities for residents, and that donors contribute to the fund as it supports the local community and issues that are important to them. 
3. On 20 February 2023, Trustees took the decision to add ‘inclusion’ as an additional priority area supported by the Community Contribution Fund, creating a total of four priority areas. Applications for the fund opened again on 22 February 2023. 

Reasons for Decision 

1. Since launching, the scheme has proved to be successful and has to date raised over £1.9 million and provided grants for 127 local projects. 
2. The current governance arrangements between the Council and the City of Westminister Charitable Trust for the collection and distribution of donations made through the Community Contribution Fund scheme will end on 28 February 2023. The governance arrangements need to be renewed to continue the collection and distribution of donations after 28 February 2023.