Issue - meetings

AGREED      that Cabinet support the emerging Long-Term Plan for Town Fund emerging proposals as detailed at paragraph 2.3 below and to delegate to the Portfolio holders for Strategy, Performance & Finance and Sustainable Economic Development endorsement of any final Long Term Plan for Town Investment Plan 2024-2027 following its ratification by Newark Towns Board for submission to Government before the requisite submission date.

The Director for Planning and Growth was in attendance to present a report which sought support for the emerging Newark Long-Term Plan for Town Fund (LTPfT) Vision & Investment Plan by Newark Towns Board. A change to the recommendation in the report was proposed to change the submission date from 1 August 2024 to ‘the requisite submission date’. The Towns Board met regularly and were in the process of formulating priorities including Newark Market Place transformation, the riverside working with the Canal and River Trust, town centre events to increase footfall, developing a community space in the Newark town centre and creating funding pots for community development and feasibility work. Once finalised, and further clarity was received from the new Government regarding timescales, a further report would be brought back to Cabinet.

Members welcomed the report and whilst disappointed at the change in timescales, were optimistic about the projects that could be developed and emphasised the importance of cross party input.

AGREED (unanimously) That Cabinet support the emerging Long-Term Plan for Town Fund emerging proposals as detailed at paragraph 2.3 of the report and to delegate to the Portfolio holders for Performance & Finance and Sustainable Economic Development endorsement of any final Long Term Plan for Town Investment Plan 2024-2027 following its ratification by Newark Towns Board for submission to Government before the requisite submission date.

Reasons for Decision:

The recommendation is presented on the basis that the Long-Term Plan for Newark 3 Year Investment Plan has been developed with the Newark Town Board and based on evidence from consultation with the community through the Resident Survey, Newark Masterplan Consultation, and targeted consultation with under-represented groups. The Long-Term Plan for Newark 3 Year Investment Plan 2024-2027 aligns with the outlined objectives of the NSDC Community Plan.

Options considered:

It remains open for this Council to not engage with the Newark Towns Board or to contribute to its formulate and ultimate adoption and submission to Government, save for its role as the Accountable Body. This option has been discounted as the Council and its partners wish to continue to achieve the best for residents and business and securing almost £20m for Newark between now and 2034 would be a significant contribution towards this.