Issue - meetings

Cabinet considered recommendations 1, 3 and 4 in open session and resolved to exclude the press and public for consideration of recommendation 2.

RESOLVED:

1. Approve alignment of 2025/26 UKSPF investment with the West Norfolk Economic Strategy.

3. Approve proposals in Section 4 for investment of REPF funding for 2025/26 should an additional allocation be awarded.

4. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing & Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve budget allocation variations (including removal of any ongoing funding for at risk projects) of UKSPF funding for 25/26 to ensure fulfilment of spend.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure timely and impactful delivery of the additional year of UKSPF funding stream in line with government guidance, the West Norfolk Economic Strategy, the West Norfolk Investment Plan and Corporate Business Plan objectives. To also enable swift commencement of a REPF investment programme should additional funding be allocated. Delivery of prosperity funding will continue to support residents and business to; build pride in place, provide high quality skills training, support employment opportunities, growth in productivity and increase life chances.

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Cabinet received a report setting out the proposed spending priorities for an additional ‘transitional’ year of UKSPF funding for April 2025 to March 2026.  Councillor Ring informed Cabinet that the REPF funding had been announced today and officers would be working on the allocation of funds to support rural businesses.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager highlighted how the transitional fund had been used, priorities and criteria, the importance of sustainability of projects and Government guidance on how the funds should be used. 

The Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and supported the recommendations to Cabinet.

Cabinet Members commended the projects which had benefitted from funding and agreed that it was important for them to move to a sustainable position where possible so that they could continue after the funding period.

Cabinet Members agreed to consider recommendations 1, 3 and 4 below in open session before moving into exempt session to consider recommendation 2.

RESOLVED:

1. Approve alignment of 2025/26 UKSPF investment with the West Norfolk Economic Strategy.

3. Approve proposals in Section 4 for investment of REPF funding for 2025/26 should an additional allocation be awarded.

4. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Regeneration, Housing & Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business to approve budget allocation variations (including removal of any ongoing funding for at risk projects) of UKSPF funding for 25/26 to ensure fulfilment of spend.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure timely and impactful delivery of the additional year of UKSPF funding stream in line with government guidance, the West Norfolk Economic Strategy, the West Norfolk Investment Plan and Corporate Business Plan objectives. To also enable swift commencement of a REPF investment programme should additional funding be allocated. Delivery of prosperity funding will continue to support residents and business to; build pride in place, provide high quality skills training, support employment opportunities, growth in productivity and increase life chances.