Quote:
Originally Posted by gynn
4. In particular, what was the exact series of events leading to the allocation and payment of the grant to the Parkinsons Disease society.
We will await the answers on this forum.
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Why on earth should the Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee give answers on this forum?
Why are we to be singled out, when our grant is but a small percentage of money pledged?
If you really like to know, I'll illustrate the 'events leading to the allocation' for you.
As a member of the committee of the Hyndburn/Ribble Valley Parkinson's disease support group, an affiliated member of the charity Parkinson's UK, I contacted one of my councillors, three years ago.
The councillor was Cllr. Britcliffe.
I've been one of the most vocal critics of HBC under his leadership, but he was professional, friendly, and very helpful. As I knew he would be.
I was enquiring if there was cheaper accommodation in the borough, where we could hold out meetings. We currently hire the Supper Room in Accrington Town Hall.
Cllr. Britcliffe did some research, and there wasn't a cheaper alternative available on Saturdays. He then suggested I write to the council, saying what support we offer to people with Parkinson's, and their families.
I was later informed the council would award us a grant, which would cover the hire of the Supper Room from HBC.
This I did in 2009 and 2010, until this year, when we were told they would consider funding our annual room hire again. I therefore applied, and was subsequently told we'd been awarded £350.00.
As stated previously, after control changed at the council, we were told we get less, but ultimately the new council honoured the initial pledge.
Again, on behalf of the eighty (plus) of our local members who suffer from this incurable, degenerative disease, I thank HBC for providing the means to fund our accommodation, where we can continue offering support, help, and friendship, to those affected by the condition.