(Report of Chief Executive)

The report provided an update on the proposed Community Development Worker for East Malling.

Reference was made to the way that community work was delivered in Trench, Tonbridge and this approach had already resulted in significant benefits.  It was, therefore, recommended to adopt this model for East Malling. 

A Service Level Agreement would be put in place between the Borough Council and the East Malling Centre.  The Borough Council would provide a grant of £7,500 per year for a 2-year period and this would be match funded by Clarion Housing Group.  It was noted that this proposal did not represent growth to the Council budget but would be a commitment for a 2-year period.  By adopting this model there would be additional financial contributions of £5,000 per year from East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council.

Following consideration by the Communities and Housing Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that:

(1)             the arrangements for the proposed Community Development Worker for East Malling be noted; and

(2)             grant funding of £7,500 per year, for two years, be paid to the East Malling Centre.