Decision details

(Report of Chief Executive)

An update on delivery during Year 1 of the Tonbridge and Malling UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Programme, including Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), was provided in 1.2 of the report.  Upcoming initiatives for Year 2 were also highlighted at 1.3 of the report.

Particular reference was made to the establishment of a West Kent Rural Grants Programme, using the REPF funding previously secured.  As part of this programme, all funding allocated to the Borough Council would be ring fenced for projects within the borough. Rural Businesses and Communities would be able to apply for capital grants of up to £25,000.  Details of the decision making process was outlined in 1.3.4 of the report.  However it was proposed that a Cabinet Member representative from each  West Kent local authority be part of a West Kent Rural Grants Programme Panel assessing applications.

Finally, Cabinet had regard to the risk assessment for the programme which identified a number of potential hazards and control measures to mitigate their impact.  The risk assessment was provided at Appendix 2.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the report be noted;

(2)             the delegation of decision-making powers to the West Kent Rural Grants Programme Panel, as set out in 1.3.4, be agreed;

(3)             the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Regeneration and Property be agreed as the representative for the Borough Council on the West Kent Rural Grants Programme Panel; and

(4)             the risk assessment for the UKSPF Programme as set out in Appendix 2 be endorsed.