Decision details

The Executive considered a report in respect of an overview proposal for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Leader asked officers to ensure that relevant data was collected to measure outcomes of the effectiveness of the use of UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies, and she hoped that some of monies could be used as match-funding when bidding for other sources of grant/support funding.

In reply to Members’ questions:

·        The Chief Executive confirmed that he had written to the local MP and had offered to meet to discuss the UKSPF submission; and

·        The Strategic Director (TP) stated that Intervention E3 in the UKSPF document - Creation of and improvements to local green spaces, community gardens, watercourses and embankments, along with incorporating natural features into wider public spaces – was referenced as being applicable to some of the projects that could feature under the “Co-operative and Neighbourhoods” Theme set out in the report.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the proposed approach and outlined interventions of the UKSPF Local Investment Plan, as set pout in the report, be approved for submission to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

2.          That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (TP), to make final amendments to the required Stevenage Investment Plan submission ahead of the 1 August 2022 deadline, having consulted with the Leader of the Council.

3.          That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (TP), having consulted the Portfolio Holder for Community, Neighbourhoods and Co-operative Councilsand the Leader of the Council, to establish an appropriate method for allocating funding to support interventions within the Co-operative Neighbourhoods Programme.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.