Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources updating the Committee on the delivery of the Maldon District’s UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocations. A supporting document was attached at Appendix 1 to the report and set out the projects delivered via the funding over the three-year period along with their current status.

The Lead Specialist Prosperity presented the report and provided some background detail on the Fund advising that it was part of the UK Government’s levelling-up agenda and would provide £2.6 billion of new funding for local investment by March 2025. As previously reported, Members were reminded that where projects were not being progressed due to feasibility, funding would be reallocated to other existing projects within the investment plan. It was noted that at this current time all of the funding had been allocated to the progression of projects and agreed costs for management and administration.

Following the launch of the Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) in February 2024, 29 applications had been received, 12 approved and the report provided further details regarding these. It was noted that Officers from the Council and the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) would work with grant recipients to ensure their proposed projects progress and were completed before the deadline.

During the lengthy debate that followed and response to a number of questions, the Members were provided with additional information in relation to the following projects:

·                Men’s Shed relocation - The Lead Specialist Prosperity advised that the difference between the original and revised budget was due significant increase in price and demand in the building sector due to economic factors outside of the Council’s control. Since publication of the report there had been discussions to get the figures ratified, procurement route established to enable award of the contract and delivery by 31 March.

·                Lower High Street improvement (Central Area Master Plan) – The Lead Specialist Prosperity reported that the work had been agreed and costed, however there had been a delay with the reengagement of Essex Highways Authority. Members were advised that a reengagement letter had been drafted and the Director of Strategy and Resources would be following up on this with the County Council.

·                District accessibility – Promenade Park and BOC Accessible Play / Sensory Garden – It was confirmed that this project was not related to the Galleon project at Promenade Park which was being funded as part of the Council’s capital programme.

The Assistant Director – Customer Services and Operations explained that in respect of Promenade Park the works being delivered through UKSPF funding related solely to play equipment replacement and phase two of the development would take place the following year and related to the maze and other sensory parts of the garden. It was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Working Group were due to review the phase two project (not being delivered as part of the UKSPF).

The Chairperson then moved the recommendation set out in the report. This was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED that the Committee acknowledges the update provided on Maldon District’s UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity fund allocations and continues to monitor the delivery.