The Head of Operations – Community Services presented a report which sought approval to establish and deliver a series of grant funds as part of the delivery programme for Bridgend’s Local Investment Plan through the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund and to make amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation of Functions to facilitate the award of grant funding.

He explained that the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was a key part of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda, forming part of complementary funding, including the Levelling Up Fund and Community Ownership Fund. In July 2022 Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director Communities to submit the Bridgend County Local Investment Plan to Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council (RTCBC) for inclusion in the overall submission of the South East Wales Local Investment Plan to the UK Government. As part of the funding process there was, and remains, a need to appoint one local authority to assume the role of the ‘Lead Local Authority’ for the region for the UKSPF. It was agreed by BCBC Cabinet that RCTCBC performs this role. Further background was at section 2 of the report.

The Head of Operations – Community Services proposed that the grant funds as outlined in section 3.5 of the report were set up and delivered. In order to facilitate these, there were a number of changes that needed to be made to the Scheme of Delegation of Functions. These were set out in section 3.11 of the report.

The Cabinet Member Community Safeguarding and Wellbeing asked when would Cabinet receive an update report reviewing the grant funding process. The Head of Operations – Community Services stated that the reporting back to Cabinet would need to be regular due to the strict timelines of delivery.

The Cabinet Member Community Safeguarding and Wellbeing noted that there would be a panel established. Has the membership of this panel been decided. The Head of Operations – Community Services stated that this had not yet been decided however there will be relevant officers and cabinet members assigned to this as and when discussions had taken place.

The Leader added that it was disappointing that the UK Government took so long in providing the funding for this and there was an expectancy for Local Governments to deliver this funding in a short timeframe.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of making the Bridgend Town Centre as attractive for businesses as it can be. He added that when looking at success stories of town centres’ regeneration, it was the artisanal and unique businesses that people look for. He asked how we were going to support those who apply for this grant and ensure that they can market themselves. 

The Head of Operations – Community Services explained that part of the funds were aimed at providing businesses with that development that they needed to get them to into the further stages needed for progression and expansion. The Group Manager – Economy, Natural Resources & Sustainability added that through the work with the Bridgend Business Forum BCBC offer training and workshops as well as networking opportunities. There was also opportunities from within the CCRCD that business can utilise.

Further discussions took place on this item which can be found here.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

• delegate authority to the Corporate Director Communities to establish, deliver and award the grant funds set out in section 3 of the report as part of the delivery of the Bridgend County Local Investment Plan, funded through the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund;

• approve the amendments to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation of Functions as set out in paragraph 3.11.