Report No. 65/2019 from the Cabinet was received, the purpose of which was to consider the recommendations referred to the Council for determination at its meeting held on 15 January 2019.

Mrs Stephenson introduced and moved the recommendations in the report.  Mr Wilby seconded the recommendations.

Mrs Stephenson highlighted the important role that Rutland Agricultural Society played in the Rutland community and that plans to expand would benefit Rutland.  Rutland Agricultural Society had previously had a loan which had been repaid on time.

In response to a point of order from Mr Oxley, Mr Horsfield, Monitoring Officer, confirmed that members of the Planning Committee would not be precluded from taking part in the debate and decision of this item.

During debate the following points were noted:

      i.         This loan was considered to be low risk in light of the previous good record the organisation had in relation to the repayment of a previous loan;

     ii.         Mr Gale and Mr Lammie requested information with regard to other sources of funding that the organisation might have looked into, including requesting support from existing members.  Mrs Briggs, Chief Executive, confirmed that before the previous loan was agreed checks had been made as to other sources of funding and it would be unusual for these checks to have not been carried out in this instance.  Written confirmation of the alternative sources looked into could be provided.

RESOLVED

To APPROVE the proposed loan and associated conditions to the charitable organisation the Rutland Agricultural Society.