Issue - meetings

This report sets out the work of the task group.

Appendices A and B are attached.  Appendix C will be provided as part of a verbal update from the chair of the task group.

An introduction on the work of the task group was provided by its chair, Councillor Fidler.  There was a short window, set by the government, in which bids for grant funding could be submitted.  The working group had therefore carried out a significant amount of work in a brief period.

Ways in which the consultation exercise could be conducted, to ensure that it had the widest possible reach, were highlighted to the committee.

There were questions asked about the criteria used to assess applications.  Members of the working group believed that the criteria used were robust and stated that they were happy to share these with the wider committee.  Each applicant had been required to submit business plans which could also be made available to the committee.

The possibility of collaboration with Surrey County Council or other local districts, to ensure the best possible use of the fund, was raised.  There was discussion about the proposals for the Oast House project, and how it would relate to wider proposals for the site.

It was anticipated that adjustments to any proposals put forward to the government could be sought if they became necessary.

The task group and its supporting officers were commended for what they had achieved in the short period of time available to them.

The committee agreed:

1.    That the projects/proposals set out in Appendix B be included in the Investment Plan to be submitted to Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

2.    That due to the time constraints on this project, consultation should be utilise as many avenues as possible including social media, established lines of communication with community groups, the council’s website, etc.

3.    That any final amendments to the Investment Plan document, as a result of feedback from the MP or the consultation, be delegated to the Group Head for Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the chair and vice chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

The committee are asked to

1)    Agree that an Investment Plan is developed

2)    Agree to set up a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group and agree the draft terms of reference

3)    Recommend that a final report on the Investment Plan is submitted to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for decision on 11 July 2022.

The Committee considered a report on the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the suggested areas of focus, a proposal for formation of a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group, and a request to submit an Investment Plan to a future Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting.

The Group Head of Regeneration and Growth explained that Spelthorne Borough Council had been allocated £1 million to spend over three years through the Shared Prosperity Fund. The government had suggested areas of focus for spending, and opportunities were currently being investigated for joint bids alongside other district and borough councils. She also requested a Task Group be formed to review suggestions for allocation of the funds and presented Draft Terms of Reference and membership for the group which would consist of chairs and vice-chairs of all committees as the areas of spend could cross various Council services.

The Committee requested further clarification on funding streams and if the Shared Prosperity Fund would be supplemental to these. The Committee noted the timeline for the funds to be committed for use and suggested that unsuccessful requests for Additional Restrictions Grants be put forward if they complied with the requirements.

The Chairman proposed that the current Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee act as Chair for the recommended Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group. This was agreed by the Committee.

The Committee resolved to:

1)    Agree that an Investment Plan is developed

2)    Agree to set up a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group and agree the draft terms of reference

3)    Recommend that a final report on the Investment Plan is submitted to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for decision on 11 July 2022.