Decision details

That the Executive

a)  Accepted the allocation of £5m of capital funding through the Levelling Up Fund and noted the funding criteria;

b)  Delegated authority to the Leader of the Council to establish and agree membership of a Councillor and Officer Panel to consider projects to be shortlisted for inclusion in the Councils’ Investment Plan. The Panel to include the leaders of the recognised political groups of the council and  two local heritage and culture sector representatives.

c)  Delegated authority to the Leader in consultation with the Executive Director (Deputy Chief Executive) for Place and Economy) to approve and implement the Terms of Reference of the Panel as detailed in Appendix A to the report noting any prescribed requirements attached to the allocation of funding ; and

d)  Delegated authority to the Leader in consultation with the Executive Director for Place & Economy ( Deputy Chief Executive) and Executive Director for Finance & Performance, to consider and accept recommendations from the Panel and submit the Investment Plan to Government.

Reason for Recommendations: To provide a mechanism for the Investment Plan to be agreed and submitted by the deadline set by Government of 10^th May 2024 and to ensure compliance with the funding requirements in respect of projects.

Alternative Options Considered: The Council does not submit an Investment Plan. This is not recommended as the Council would lose the opportunity to access the £5m investment fund to support cultural assets.