Agenda item

The Economic Growth Team Leader provided an update on the Pride in Place programme and progress made since the previous report. Members were advised that extensive community engagement activity had taken place, including attendance at community events, engagement with local groups and workshops delivered in primary and secondary schools. It was reported that approximately 2,000 residents had been engaged to date.

It was noted that Government guidance identified Neighbourhood Boards as the decision making bodies for funding allocations, with the Council acting as the accountable body. Members were advised that the programme permitted the use of early funding for "quick wins" projects in response to priorities identified through community engagement and to support momentum whilst the longer term Pride in Place Plan was developed.

Reference was made to the availability of "quick wins" funding, which could be used to respond to priorities identified through community engagement and support early delivery of improvements whilst the longer term programme was developed.

The Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities advised that, in addition to providing an update on progress, the report sought delegated authority to finalise arrangements for the allocation of quick wins funding in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer.

During the debate, a Member of the Committee welcomed the progress made through the Pride in Place programme and expressed support for the proposed approach to delivering early "quick wins" projects. It was considered that such initiatives would help build community confidence and encourage ongoing engagement with the programme.

A Member sought assurance regarding the balance between community led decision making and the delivery of projects that would provide a lasting legacy. In response, the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities advised that the "quick wins" funding represented an initial allocation intended to support early interventions, whilst most of the investment would be determined through the longer term investment plan and ten year strategy. Members were advised that community engagement findings would be considered alongside local data and evidence to inform future priorities.

Further discussion took place regarding engagement activity with local schools and young people, with officers outlining the approach taken to gather views on the area, identify priorities and inform future investment decisions. Reference was also made to the rationale for prioritising engagement with schools located within the programme area.

Visiting Member Councillor Young welcomed the investment being brought into the area and highlighted the opportunity to secure additional investment and community benefits through the programme. In response to a query regarding communications with the co-Chairs of the Board, officers provided clarification regarding arrangements for responding to correspondence.

In further discussion, a Member of the Committee highlighted examples of regeneration projects delivered elsewhere and emphasised the importance of pursuing initiatives that would create lasting benefits for the community.

With no further comments, and having been proposed, seconded, and voted upon, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that

a)    the Neighbourhood Board's proposal to allocate the next available tranche of Pride in Place funding to a package of quick win projects be approved, subject to each project meeting programme guidance, subsidy control requirements and procurement regulations, with income and expenditure budgets to be created to reflect grant funding received and associated capital and revenue expenditure; and

b)    authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer, to finalise project approvals, funding agreements and any related due diligence required to enable delivery.