Issue - meetings

DECISION

1.         That the draft UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan be approved.

2.         That delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Chief Executive (Growth), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, to make any amendments that might arise prior to the submission of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan to Department of Levelling Up, Communities and Housing.

Portfolio Holders and Officer

Cllr Nigel Welton

MS

REASON FOR DECISION

Councillor Nigel Welton introduced a report by the Deputy Chief Executive – Growth setting out the UK Shared Prosperity Fund draft submission and the background on the consultation process.

The report stated that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) had opened to provide funding for economic development across the whole of the UK.  The focus of the fund was in part the replacement for the previous European Social Fund, with an emphasis on skills based training and development, but was wider and more flexible than its EU forerunners.

The South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) had been allocated £9.3 million over the next three years.  The fund was a key part in the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda, providing money for councils to invest in:

• Local communities and places
• Support for local businesses
• People and skills

Full details of the theme objectives were set out in the UKSPF Prospectus document and replicated in the report.

The breakdown of funding between the SELCP was:-

• Boston Borough Council – £2.2 million
• East Lindsey District Council - £4.4 million
• South Holland District Council - £2.7 million

It was noted that the funding element for the people and skills theme would not commence until 2023.  The funding may be spent on activities or buildings and equipment, but was predominantly for revenue projects and there was a suggested split between revenue and capital each year. 

The Investment Plan, appended to the report, was a strategy document that detailed how the allocation of the funding would deliver outcomes for people under the three themes set out above.

In considering which projects would be selected to be funded through UKSPF, the Prospectus had been clear that there must have been significant public consultation to ensure the investment plan met the needs of the community and stakeholders to fully maximise the benefits of the fund.

Consultation was held in June and July 2022 and numerous stakeholders were identified and encouraged to submit ideas and share further.  There had also been many engagement events held with the public and Councillors. 

The Corporate and Community Committee had considered the UKSPF at its meeting on 14 July and were supportive of the plan.  Full Council had been consulted at its meeting on 25 July 2022 and confirmed its support for the Investment Plan to be submitted.

It was noted there had been a very positive response to the consultation which had been used to form the basis of the investment strategy.

The Draft Investment Plan, attached as an appendix to the report, set out:-

·         Local Challenges for each theme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20