The Leader introduced the report of the Chief Executive (previously circulated) updating Cabinet on the recently announced allocation of £20 million from the Government’s long-term plan for towns initiative and advising of the subsequent requirement to increase representation on the Towns Fund Board.
The submitted report outlined the background to the allocation and the proposal to increase community representation on the membership of the current Towns Fund Board to ensure it was more inclusive of community and voluntary groups within the Town and to include an additional elected Member, together with a representative of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Particular reference was made at the meeting to liaison with the Tees Valley Combined Authority regarding funding; the reasons behind not opting for two separate boards; how the community representatives were chosen; the funding gap that the Council was facing; the thematic areas of the projects, which were not just Town Centre focused; and to how projects could be supported by the fund. The Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive responded thereon.
REOLVED – That confirmation of the funding allocation and the proposed changes to the Towns Fund Board, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.
REASON – To contribute to the further economic wellbeing and vitality of the Town.