Decision details

To receive a report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration with regard to a bid for funding

The Cabinet had before it a *  report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration informing Members about the UK Community Renewal Fund ; setting out the criteria and timescales identified in the fund prospectus; and seeking agreement as to the preferred course of action.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the report set out information about the Community Renewal Fund, its criteria and timescales as identified in the fund prospectus and sought agreement as to the preferred course of action.  Local organisations could apply for up to £3 million of revenue funding for projects that invested in skills, helped people into employment, supported local businesses grow and develop, and helped local communities become more resilient and sustainable. Applications must be for a minimum bid value of £500,000.  Devon County Council had a key role in assessing, prioritising and submitting local bids to Government.

The key criteria for assessment were:

·         Deliverability by 31st March 2022.

·         Strategic Fit

·         Value for Money

·         Targeting people and areas most in need - Although weighting would be given to projects that included delivery in the two priority areas of West Devon and Torridge.

The minimum bid value of £500k to be spent in the current financial year, limited the scope of the available projects and it was felt that the Tiverton Town Centre projects would fit into the scheme.

Consideration was given to:

·         The need to grasp the opportunity for funding

·         How relevant projects could fit

·         The fact that other local organisations could also bid for funding for projects

RESOLVED that: delegated authority be given to the Portfolio Holder(s) for Planning and Economic Regeneration and Housing and Property Services to develop and submit a bid to Devon County Council as set out in sections 6.0 and 7.0 for the regeneration projects within Tiverton.

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

Reason for the decision – To agree the preferred course of action over bid submission.

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes