Decision details

Cabinet:

1.    NOTED the successful outcome from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid.

2.    NOTED that in line with prior approvals and the bid submission, that, subject to Rutland County Council (RCC) approval, RCC will be the ‘Lead Authority’ and accountable body for the funding and endorse their acceptance of the required grant agreements with DHLUC.

3.    Subject to council approval of recommendation 4:

3.1. APPROVED entry into the necessary and relevant legal agreements with Rutland County Council to enable Melton Borough Council to access its share of the Levelling Up Fund.

3.2. APPROVED entry into an agreement with SMB Group to enable delivery of the theatre project as set out within the bid.

3.3.  DELEGATED authority to the Director for Corporate Services, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity, to develop, finalise and sign any associated legal documentation in relation to the agreements set out in 2.3.1 and 2.3.2

3.4. DELEGATED authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree any necessary amendments with DLUHC to enable the funding to be secured for Melton’s projects, should Rutland County Council be unable to fulfil the accountable body role.

3.5. NOTED that regular updates on progress on the LUF programme will be provided to the LUF Executive Board 

4.    RECOMMENDED to Council:

4.1. The acceptance of Melton’s proportion of the LUF funding and approval to enter the capital scheme for the Stockyard project totalling £11.1m to the capital programme for 2023/24 to enable its delivery.

4.2. The Approval to provide match funding of £1m through capital receipts, and if not possible, fund through borrowing.

4.3. That authority be delegated to the Director for Corporate Services to update the capital programme with the spend profile across the relevant financial years for the Stockyard project once the detailed budget plan has been prepared.