Decision details

To accept the UK Government’s Memorandum of Understanding to enable delivery of the ten-year Pride in Place programme for Boston to commence in 2026/27. Delegated authority arrangements are also requested to ensure effective and lawful use of public funds under the programme and that robust decision-making arrangements are in place throughout the subsequent investment periods.

Resolved:

1.    That the funding award for Boston be accepted and that authority be delegated to the Council’s Executive Director – Finance and Section 151 Officer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Pride in Place Programme in Boston, as set out within Appendix A to the report;

2.    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Finance and Section 151 Officer to vary the Council’s Capital and Revenue base budgets, within the limits set out in Section 2 within the report, for projects delivered under the Pride in Place programme for Boston;

3.    That the Boston Neighbourhood Board be responsible for considering and recommending the allocation of funding to individual projects, with Cabinet be kept informed of the Board’s priorities, approved projects, funding allocations, expenditure profile, and the monitoring of risks and benefits on a regular basis;

4.    That authority be delegated to the Council’s Executive Director – Finance and Section 151 Officer to approve expenditure recommended by the Neighbourhood Board, following due diligence and in consultation with the Executive Director – Economic Development and the Deputy Leader of the Council; and

5.    That authority be delegated to the Council’s Executive Director – Economic Development to enter into all associated delivery contracts and grant funding agreements on behalf of the Council, in consultation with the Council’s Executive Director – Finance and Section 151 Officer and the Deputy Leader of the Council.

·         To enable the Council to receive the annual funding allocations under the Pride in Place Programme and support the Boston Neighbourhood Board to progress with the delivery of the subsequent investment periods.

·         To ensure that all public funds associated with the programme delivery are used lawfully, effectively and in line with Government rules and relevant Council procedures.

·         To ensure transparent, consistent and robust decision making and appropriate due diligence is undertaken on the recommended funding awards prior to formal contracting and expenditure.

·         To not accept the Pride in Place funding for Boston.

·         To work with the Boston Neighbourhood Board to identify an alternative accountable body structure for the governance and management of the approved funding.