Trustees overseeing a historic Bedford charity fund have approved nearly £20,000 in grants for two organisations, but a third application was deferred over concerns it did not clearly meet the trust’s charitable objectives.
The Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee (6 January) considered three funding bids totalling £32,901, aimed at supporting Bedford residents in need, hardship or distress.
Trustees agreed to award £10,000 to Friends for Life Bedfordshire, a charity providing befriending services to older people living in residential care homes.
Trustees noted the organisation’s role in tackling loneliness and social isolation, with assurances that the funding would be used solely for residents of Bedford Borough.
Cllr Doug McMurdo (Independent, Sharnbrook) said the application “meets the criteria as far as I can see”, adding that officers had already met with the charity to discuss its plans.
A further £9,767 was awarded to Emmaus Turvey, also known as Emmaus Village Carlton, to convert a storage room into a communal TV, music and social lounge for homeless residents.
Committee chair, cllr Henry Vann (Lib Dem, De Parys) said: “[The request] seems to meet the criteria really clearly in terms of it’s not funding ongoing running costs.
“It’s got a specific focus, but it’s clearly a very valuable focus in terms of the people who access support there, and it is an excellent charity in terms of the work that it does.”
However, an application from BedsGOVET for £13,134 to fund river water quality testing was deferred.
Cllr Sue Oliver (Labour, Kempston North) said: “Although this is a very worthwhile cause and we would all want to support it, I’ve looked at our terms of reference, and I can’t see a way of making it fit the criteria.”
Officers were asked to hold further discussions with the charity to explore whether the application could be reframed.
The committee noted that funding is still available this financial year, with one further meeting scheduled to consider additional applications.
Information on how to apply for a grant can be found on the council’s website.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
