Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Glancy, Posnett and Webster.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillor Atherton declared a pecuniary interest in Minute Number 16, the draft UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan development, as business manager for the Storehouse, Melton Mowbray. The project could benefit from funding from the UKSPF.

Councillor Chandler declared a personal interest in Minute Number 16, the draft UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan development, as she is a member of National Farmers Union.

The draft UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan Development is to be presented to the Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity introduced the UKSPF draft Investment Plan. Following the introduction, the Chief Executive gave a presentation to the Committee and explained to the Members the context, the allocation, the process, themes, caveats, key issues and proposals.

It was explained to Members that the Council had to align the interventions under three themes. The themes were Community and Place, Supporting Local Business and People and Skills. It was noted that the allocation is £1.19m with the Council receiving £145k in 2022/23, £290k in 2023/24 and £758k 2024/25.

Members were appraised of the objectives, key issues and proposals for each of the three themes, after which the next steps were outlined.

Following a question regarding the financial situation of a strategic partner, it was confirmed that Leicestershire County Council would receive funding for adult literacy and that the funding would be ring fenced.

A discussion ensued over the current state of businesses in the Borough and how the UKSPF was going to assist. In response, it was clarified that there are projects which are designed to bring in additional footfall which businesses would benefit from.

Concerns were raised regarding the inclusion of the Bell Centre project without the Council knowing whether the current owner is a willing partner. The Committee was reassured that Officers have previously communicated with the current owner and that discussions were ongoing through partners, however these were focussed on short term tactical improvements. In addition, Members were reminded that the Bell Centre occupies a key place within the town centre and that a more substantial, strategic intervention was required to bring about a sustainable change, as it is currently not fulfilling its potential however, in conclusion, the Committee did not generally support the inclusion of the Bell Centre project within the plan.

Concern was expressed at the language used by Officers within the Investment Plan, in particular the expression ‘low wage economy’ as it was felt this had the potential to be self-fulfilling. In response, Members were informed that careful consideration is given to the language used but that Officers had a duty to express the challenges faced by the Borough.

Members recognised that whilst funding is £1.19m and there are a number of projects that can be carried out, projects must be prioritised because the value of the projects currently under consideration exceeds the amount of funding the Council is expecting to receive.

A concern was raised that regarding the People and Skills theme, three of the four projects under consideration are being led by Leicester City Council. In response, it was explained that by collaborating with a partner as opposed to running projects without a partner, the Council could see a greater benefit of return and therefore better value for money.

A discussion ensued regarding potential partnerships and that the Council would need to carry out due diligence to ensure the sustainability of the partner. In response the Chief Executive assured the Committee that this would be the case and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.