Report of the Chief Executive.

The Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio introduced the report of the Chief Executive (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the development of a Levelling Up Darlington Plan, led by the Council with public partner agencies.

The submitted report stated that the Government was committed to ‘levelling up’ across the whole of the United Kingdom to ensure that no community was left behind, particularly as the Country recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic; the Levelling Up Darlington Plan aimed to maximise the benefit to Darlington and its residents of Government investment; and that it would particularly aim to support residents of the communities most in need in Darlington and those whose employment had been adversely affected by Covid-19 to access quality employment.

Particular references were made to the vision for levelling up Darlington; the priority areas for action; the consultation undertaken; and the outcome of that consultation.

References were made at the meeting of keeping Members informed of any proposals for their respective wards; the importance of addressing needs of people as well as the built environment; and to the funding available.  The Leader and the Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio responded thereon.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the Levelling Up Darlington Framework, as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed.

(b)  That the areas for priority action, as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed

(c)  That work with partner agencies be commenced to develop a programme and action plan.

(d)  That a Levelling Up Darlington launch event be held.

REASONS – (a)  The Levelling Up Darlington plan will help deliver the priorities of the Council Plan.

(b)  The Plan will maximise the benefits to Darlington of Government investment.