Decision details

To award £250,000 in Levelling Up Partnership funds to the Boston Methodist Circuit Charity for the purpose of capital renovations to the Boston Centenary Chapel.

In line with the Levelling Up Partnership Scheme’s Investment Plan agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, an allocation of £250,000 was approved for this purpose within the District’s Investment Plan. This decision is for the decision to formally enter into contract for these funds and to deliver the Scheme in Financial Year 2025-6.

To award funds to the above recipient in line with the agreed Investment Plan for the Community Organisations package within the Boston Levelling Up Partnership Programme

Do nothing – Doing nothing would risk the Council not meeting commitments made under the Levelling Up Partnership Scheme Investment Plan, resulting in the realisation of an underspend on the Programme. The resultant underspend may have to be returned to Central Government, resulting in a loss in investment in Boston. This would pose both a reputational risk to the Council and would be a ‘missed opportunity’ in terms of local growth/economic impact.

Similarly, this would result in a missed opportunity to make a significant investment in one of the town’s key Grade II* listed heritage assets and a centre involved in the provision of multiple voluntary support services for residents (including support for the homeless a community warm space). The ‘opportunity cost’ of not undertaking this investment is therefore significant.