Council Moves to Ensure Fairness in Financial Support

Published on 05 March 2018

A new Snowy Valleys Council Financial and In-Kind Assistance Policy is being developed to ensure equity and fairness in Council responses to requests for financial and in-kind assistance.

Council Mayor James Hayes said the development of the policy will support local organisations and increase community confidence in how Council decisions are made.

“Council provides financial assistance in a variety of ways, supporting a diverse range of services and projects that directly benefit the community. A clear policy will help inform a consistent process ensuring fairness in distribution of funds,” Clr Hayes said.

Council primarily provides financial assistance via grants, sponsorships and small donations. Assistance can be financial (cash) or in-kind (no charge services).

General Manager Matthew Hyde said Council has a responsibility to ensure that all assistance provided is managed through a transparent process.

“The community needs to know the right channels through which to make requests, and that all agreements are managed effectively,” Mr Hyde said.

The Policy will aim to provide a clear process for groups applying for assistance, will employ a more consistent approach for Council responses to requests, and will increase transparency around the level of assistance which Council is able to provide.

“It will ensure there is good financial responsibility from Councilors, and provide an equal playing field for clubs and community organisations on which decisions will be made,” Mr Hyde said.

For more information on Council Policies please contact Director Internal Services Robyn Harvey on 6941 2504 or [email protected]