Decision details

To provide an update on the approach to delivery of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) throughout 2024-2025 (the final year of funding), in accordance with the local programme Investment Plan.

AGREED that the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder - Strategy, Performance and Finance, and the Portfolio Holder – Sustainable Economic Development:

a)       note the 24-25 programme commitments approved by the S151 Officer, in accordance with the Investment Plan interventions, as detailed in Table 3.

b)      note the appraisal and award process for the delivery of UKSPF and REPF funded  grants, approved by the S151 Officer, in accordance with Table 3 and Appendix A.

c)        approve the addition of £215,309 to the 24-25 capital programme to reflect the additional commitments in this report and in accordance with 1.7.

d)      note the approach to allocating potential future programme underspends, approved by the S151 Officer, in accordance with 1.8.

The recommendations help to ensure best value for money is represented in the allocation of UKSPF/REPF through the use of internal resources where appropriate to deliver interventions, as well as ensuring a fair and transparent process is implemented with the administration of external grant funding.

The Council is committed to achieving the outcomes identified within the UKSPF/REPF Investment Plan with funding profiled against three core investment themes and priority interventions. The Council has engaged with key stakeholders in determining the most suitable approach to address local challenges, along with alignment to fund guidance issued by DLUHC and DEFRA, ensuring this is reflected within the proposals. There is the option not to proceed with the REPF/UKSPF scheme delivery however this would result in returning funds to DLUHC/DEFRA or withholding the 24-25 allocation, and a loss of funding for historic and existing EU funded schemes, without the ability to re-apply at a later date.