Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:   1)          That the projects for allocation of UKSPF funding of £1,062,709 for 2024/25 against the agreed interventions contained in the West Norfolk Investment Plan (WNIP) as set out in sections 3 and 4 of the report be approved.

2)             That  the REPF funding of £225,000 for Active Travel projects in 2024/25 as set out in Table 6 of the report be approved.

3)             That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing & Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve in year budget reallocations of UKSPF funding for 24/25 to ensure fulfilment of spend. (Section 7 of the report).

Reason for Decision

To ensure timely delivery of two complementary government grant funding streams in line with government guidance, West Norfolk Investment Plan, the Rural Addendum and Corporate Business Plan objectives. The UKSPF will support residents and business to; build pride in place, high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment, productivity growth and increasing life chances. REPF will support investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas and in the development and promotion of the rural visitor economy, enhancing active travel provision in rural areas, investing in capacity building and infrastructure support for local rural groups and supporting volunteering and social action groups in rural communities.

It was not possible to adopt the recommendation from the Environment and Community Panel as the grant funding was tied in a contractual arrangement.  Suggestions were made which may help the unparished area apply for grant.

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Assistant Director D Hall presented the report which explained that at its meeting on 7 February 2023, Cabinet approved the programme of investment for UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) for 2022/23 and 2023/24 and for Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF) for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The report set out the proposed spending priorities for UKSPF in 2024/25 to facilitate both continued programme delivery and the introduction of new projects.

Additionally, the report provided a review of REPF programme delivery including a forward look to 2024/25 and procedures in place to ensure full investment spend by 31 March 2025.

For both funding programmes it was essential to agree the best approach for expediating any ‘in year’ programme adjustments that may become necessary to ensure achievement of full spend in 2024/25 by the government deadline of 31 March 2025.

Councillor Morley drew attention to the suggestion he had made at the Environment and Community Panel to use 10% of the funding for Community schemes in King’s Lynn, to which it was confirmed that this was not possible as the funding was tied up contractually with the LEP and Government in the way it was spent.  However members were reminded that the of the opportunity for constituted bodies in King’s Lynn to apply for funding for schemes until the end of January.  It was suggested that King’s Lynn Ward Members may wish to consider this opportunity.

RESOLVED:   1)         That the projects for allocation of UKSPF funding of £1,062,709 for 2024/25 against the agreed interventions contained in the West Norfolk Investment Plan (WNIP) as set out in sections 3 and 4 of the report be approved.

2)               That  the REPF funding of £225,000 for Active Travel projects in 2024/25 as set out in Table 6 of the report be approved.

3)               That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing & Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve in year budget reallocations of UKSPF funding for 24/25 to ensure fulfilment of spend. (Section 7 of the report).

Reason for Decision

To ensure timely delivery of two complementary government grant funding streams in line with government guidance, West Norfolk Investment Plan, the Rural Addendum and Corporate Business Plan objectives. The UKSPF will support residents and business to; build pride in place, high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment, productivity growth and increasing life chances. REPF will support investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas and in the development and promotion of the rural visitor economy, enhancing active travel provision in rural areas, investing in capacity building and infrastructure support for local rural groups and supporting volunteering and social action groups in rural communities.

It was not possible to adopt the recommendation from the Environment and Community Panel as the grant funding was tied in a contractual arrangement.  Suggestions were made which may help the unparished area apply for grant.