Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder

Councillor T Gillard presented the report to members.

He informed members that the Council’s expression of interest in the Future High Street Fund was successful and had now been invited to submit a full business case for up to £25 million.  A grant of up to £150,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had been allocated to develop the business case with a deadline of 28 February 2020.  This money could be used to engage consultants to assist with developing the business plan, as and when the professional expertise was required.  He reported that officers would be talking to ward members, businesses and the public to help finalise the bid.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The expenditure of up to £150,000 of grant funding and existing budgets to develop a full business case for submission to Future High Streets Fund be agreed.

b)     The authority to finalise negotiations and award a contract to WYG Consultants up to a value of £150,000 for development of a full business case for Future High Streets Fund, be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place.

Reason for decision: Cabinet approval is required to enter into a contract with a supplier for amounts over £100,000 spent within a single 12-month period.