Decision details

The Leader introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated)updating Cabinet on the potential for the Council to receive up to £25m of government funding to improve the economy in Darlington and requesting that consideration be given to the establishment of the Darlington Town Deal Board.

It was reported that the government had invited a number of towns, including Darlington, to apply for funding of up to £25m to improve their economies; as part of the invitation to bid, the Council had been awarded £173,029 to assist in the development of the bid to the Fund; the government had produced a Prospectus for the Fund which gave general and specific guidance on issues relating to the process; and stated that one of the requirements was the establishment of a Town Deal Board, which was required to meet before 31 January 2020.

The submitted report stated that the Leader and the Managing Director had constituted a Board of relevant partners and individuals to ensure it met the Government’s deadline; requested that consideration be given to retrospective approval to the establishment of the Board; stated that the Board had met on 27 January 2020; and stated that the Board would assist in the development of the bid but that all final decisions on the bid and implementation, if successful, would be the responsibility of the Cabinet.

RESOLVED - (a)  That the potential government funding of up to £25m to improve Darlington’s economy, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

(b)  That the establishment and membership of the Darlington Town Deal Board, as detailed in the submitted, be approved.

(c)  That further reports on the bid be submitted to future meetings of Cabinet.

REASONS - (a)  To meet the requirements of guidance and to engage partners in the development of the bid.

(b)  To allow Cabinet to contribute to the bid development and approve the bid.?????