Agenda item

UK COMMUNITY RENEWAL AND LEVELLING UP FUNDS

Summary:

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report outlines opportunities presented to North Norfolk through the Government’s new UK Community Renewal and Levelling Up programmes and outlines how the Council might seek to position itself to take advantage of theseopportunities.

 

It is considered that these new funding programmes present opportunities to secure external funding for the District to support the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives through the Council acting in its community leadership role. Alternatively, the Council could leave it to other local stakeholders to develop project proposals but it is believed that this might not realise the full benefits of a more co- ordinated approach proposed by the Council as outlined in thereport.

 

Conclusions:

The Council should seek to adopt a strategic leadership role in seeking to co-ordinate the development of a programme of projects at North Walsham and Fakenham for submission to Government under the UK Community Renewal and, as appropriate, the Levelling Up Fund programmes

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabinet is askedto:-

 

·     note the opportunities presented to North Norfolk by the new UK Community Renewal and Levelling Upprogrammes

·     endorse the proposals made that a programme of complementary projects be developed in respect of the future planned growth of North Walsham and Fakenham as sustainable locations for future housing and business development at scale supported by provision of key transport, health, education community and green infrastructure and submitted to the County Council as lead body for endorsement and onward submission to theGovernment

·     to agree that in developing any proposals the Council establishes a Strategic Stakeholder Board and Steering Groups for North Walsham and Fakenham to support project development and oversee programmedelivery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To realise opportunities to secure UK Government fundinginto NorthNorfolk tosupport investmentin

projects which meet priorities outlined in the Council’s Corporate Plan as they relate toprovision of housing, economic growth, environment and climate change and quality of life.


LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

 

 

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr Sarah Butikofer, Leader of the Council

Ward(s) affected

All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Steve Blatch, Chief Executive

Email:- steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk Tel:- 01263 516232

 

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward - Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that work was progressing quickly, as arrangements had to be in place with bids submitted by mid-June. The CE stated that the fund had been announced on 3rd March to provide an opportunity for the District as a priority area to support investment in skills, businesses and supporting people into employment. He added that it was a revenue fund, and the maximum the Council could bid for was £3m, with a requirement for funds to be spent by Mach 2022. It was noted that there were challenges in developing plans and spending those funds within an eight month period, though it was still believed that the Council could use the funding to advance opportunities at the urban extensions in Fakenham and North Walsham. The CE reported that proposals had to be submitted to NCC by 14th May, then finalised bids would need to be submitted to Central Government by 14th June. He added that the process would involve the creation of a Strategic Stakeholder Board, and a Steering Group in both Fakenham and North Walsham, with arrangements being made for these groups to meet in the coming weeks. It was noted that NCC were also developing County-wide proposals that could be considered alongside the District proposals.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr A Brown stated that he welcomed the funding, but had concerns that rural areas were being overlooked as a result of the Government’s methodology, and that issues could arise with match-funding. He asked whether the Shared Prosperity Fund planned for 2022 might address these issues. The CE replied that whilst the fund was a great opportunity for the District, £3m wouldn’t cover all areas, and as a result North Walsham and Fakenham were seen as central locations that provided a significant number of jobs and services to residents of the wider District. He added that they were also areas designated for future growth and development, and funding was required to support this growth in a sustainable manner. The CE stated that the Shared Prosperity Fund was expected to provide greater funding opportunities, at which time more support may be available for more rural locations.

 

      ii.          Cllr C Cushing stated that he welcomed the funding as Fakenham often received less than what was allocated to other towns.

 

     iii.          Cllr E Seward stated that he did understand the concerns raised regarding rural locations, and suggested that the Council would continue to look for future investment opportunities for these areas. He added that the Community Renewal Fund would enable the necessary preparatory work for sustainable growth in North Walsham and Fakenham. It was noted that if towns such as North Walsham were to continue to grow, then there had to be the necessary supporting infrastructure such as link roads, new primary schools, doctors surgeries, drainage and transport connection improvements. Cllr E Seward stated that that historically, in-land towns had suffered from a lack of investment, and the fund was a good opportunity to address this.

 

    iv.          The Chairman noted that the funding available would not go far if shared over several towns, and accepted that it was therefore reasonable for funding to be directed to where there was the greatest need. He added that communication of this issue was important, and asked whether it could be given consideration.

 

      v.          Cllr A Brown sought to clarify that he was fully supportive of both Fakenham and North Walsham receiving funding, but noted that the Government scheme appeared to have some bias towards towns with larger populations.

 

    vi.          The recommendations were proposed by Cllr C Cushing and seconded by Cllr P Heinrich.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To note the opportunities presented to North Norfolk by the new UK Community Renewal and Levelling Up programmes.

 

2.     To endorse the proposals made that a programme of complementary projects be developed in respect of the future planned growth of North Walsham and Fakenham as sustainable locations for future housing and business development at scale supported by provision of key transport, health, education community and green infrastructure and submitted to the County Council as lead body for endorsement and onward submission to the Government.

 

3.     To endorse the Cabinet resolution that in developing any proposals, the Council establishes a Strategic Stakeholder Board and Steering Groups for North Walsham and Fakenham to support project.

Supporting documents: