Issue - meetings

In July 2022, Cabinet approved the submission of the Tonbridge and Malling UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan. One of the projects within the plan was the creation of a Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Scheme. This report sets out the scheme in detail and seeks approval to launch it in the coming months, subject to the Investment Plan being signed off by Central Government.

(Report of Chief Executive)

Following Cabinet approval of the submission of the Tonbridge and Malling UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan in July 2022, consideration was given to the creation of a Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Scheme as detailed in the report of the Chief Executive.

Draft Guidance Notes and example application form for the Scheme were provided in Appendix 1.  A summary of the Scheme finances and rationale for the proposed criteria was set out at 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 of the report.   However, it was noted that a total budget of £102,000, made up of £70,000 of UKSPF and £32,000 of Business Rates Retention Pilot funding, would be available to fund the Scheme.

After careful consideration of the legal, financial and value for money implications and the assessment of risk, Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the report be noted;

(2)             the Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Scheme, as set out at Appendix 1, be endorsed;

(3)             that the Capital Plan and Revenue Budget be updated accordingly;

(4)             that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in liaison with the Leader of the Council, to approve any necessary minor changes to the Scheme required following feedback from Central Government regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan.

Decision Notice D220095CAB

Following Cabinet approval of the submission of the Tonbridge and Malling UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan in July 2022, consideration was given to the creation of a Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Scheme as detailed in the report of the Chief Executive.

Draft Guidance Notes and example application form for the Scheme were provided in Appendix 1.  A summary of the Scheme finances and rationale for the proposed criteria was set out at 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 of the report.   However, it was noted that a total budget of £102,000, made up of £70,000 of UKSPF and £32,000 of Business Rates Retention Pilot funding, would be available to fund the Scheme.

After careful consideration of the legal, financial and value for money implications and the assessment of risk, Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the report be noted;

(2)             the Shopfront and Vacant Unit Improvement Scheme, as set out at Appendix 1, be endorsed;

(3)             that the Capital Plan and Revenue Budget be updated accordingly;

(4)             that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in liaison with the Leader of the Council, to approve any necessary minor changes to the Scheme required following feedback from Central Government regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan.