Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of the Director of Resources.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests.

RESOLVED: That by virtue of the next item of business being exempt information under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be now excluded from the meeting.

Report of Director of Economic Development and Planning enclosed.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report updating members on the Levelling Up Fund.

She reminded members that the Council had been unsuccessful in the first round of bids and that a second round had been announced on 23 March 2022 with a deadline for applications of 6 July 2022.

Following the last round of bids there had been some changes made to categories that authorities were in. However, Ribble Valley was still in category 3 which was the least likely category to be supported in respect of a bid. Within round one only 8 of the 105 successful bids had been in category 3. In total 305 applications were submitted as part of round one.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning explained what would be required to submit a bid including changes that would need to be made to the first bid as Longridge Civic Hall could no longer be included.

Members discussed the likelihood of success and appropriate use of officer time and budget.

Councillor D Birtwhistle was given permission to speak on this item.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Advise officers not to submit a bid in round two of the Levelling Up Fund but explore options for use of the Shared Prosperity Fund across the Borough and main service centres.