To identify a suitable model for Herefordshire to enter a County Sports Partnership with Worcestershire to enable access to national and regional funding for sport.

THAT

(a)               Herefordshire Council work in partnership with the existing Worcestershire All Sports Partnership and Sport England to identify a suitable model for taking forward Herefordshire’s inclusion in one of the 45, nationally identified, County Sports Partnerships; and

(b)               that every effort be made to increase Herefordshire Council’s representation to two members, the second not necessarily to be an officer or member of Herefordshire Council

Sport England is committed to supporting the development of County Sports Partnerships, 45 of which have been identified across England. A certain amount of funding has already been identified to support work through the partnerships and further opportunities and funding are likely to be identified as the partnerships strengthen and begin operating at a more strategic level. Herefordshire, presently the only county in England not involved in a partnership, is likely to be excluded from accessing future funding opportunities if this situation remains.

To remain outside the partnership and only work with agencies who are willing to use alternative methods to distribute their funding. Recent consultation has identified reluctance by a majority of funding bodies to work directly with Herefordshire outside the County Sports Partnership arena. This could have significant impact on local strategic work with both the voluntary sector and the growth of work with the education sector.