Agenda item

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Economic Growth Team Manager, seeking approval of the Council’s programme for the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/26 Programme.

It was explained that the council had been allocated both UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rural England Prosperity Funding, which was seen as a transitionary continuation of the previous 2022 – 2025 programme. Under the new arrangements for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority, Members heard that North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) were the Accountable Body for this funding.

Additionally, it was highlighted that the Government had set a spend deadline of 31 March 2026, with any unspent funding being lost. The Accountable Body, NELC, would require the council to report on expenditure in September/October 2025 and January 2026. Any funding at risk of being unspent could be reallocated at those stages.

Members were advised that in line with the Council’s constitution, the Prosperous Communities Committee was required to approve the investment themes and delegate signatory of the funding agreement. The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee was then required to approve the drawdown and expenditure of funds.  It was further highlighted that the proposed investments had been shaped based upon local priorities alongside their fit with the Government’s programme requirements, and Greater Lincolnshire priorities.

The Chairman thanked all those involved in the work and invited comments from the Committee. Members expressed their support and thanks for, not only the presented programme for 2025/26 but also for the work which had been previously undertaken.

A Member of the Committee noted his satisfaction that reserve funds were being used to enhance the programme, in particular relating to environmental sustainability, commenting that it was an opportunity for smaller groups to access the funds to help local sustainability work. It was acknowledged that the Member Working Group for Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability had been instrumental in implementing in how those opportunities could be realised.

Members additionally expressed their support of the cost appraisal for bringing a key town centre building back into use in Gainsborough, as well as a trial of free car parking, with businesses and users having reacted positively to the news. In response to a question regarding the flagship community grant programme, it was explained that the exact timescales had not been confirmed, however the preparatory work was underway to ensure the scheme could be launched as soon as practicable. It was confirmed there would be a focus on communications across the district, and Members were encouraged to interact with the local community groups and to encourage them to apply for funding.

With further support voiced for the investment programme and associated works, the Chairman read aloud the recommendations as detailed within the report, and, having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the identified UKSPF/REPF 2025/26 programme be approved and authority delegated to the S151 officer to sign-off the funding agreement (in consultation with the Chair of this Committee); and

b)    the UKSPF/REPF 2025/26 programme be RECOMMENDED to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for approval of the expenditure and monitoring arrangements as set out in para 2.5 of the report.