Agenda item

Kate Ellis, Major Developments Director:

a)    provided the Board with a UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) Programme update. During consideration of the update, the following points were noted:

·       Round 1 of the programme was approved for development and delivery at the City of Lincoln Council’s meeting of the Executive in March 2023. The projected combined value totalled £1,453,725

·       Community Grant Scheme Project

o   Supported by the City Council’s Neighbourhood Management Team, the project included two newly appointed Community Connectors and work on the establishment of Ward Panels had commenced

o   Grants were targeted to be opened for applications later in the Autumn via the City Councils website

·       North Lincoln Community Hub(s) Programme

o   A scoping report was underway which identified wider deliverable proposals and would be reported at the end of September 2023

·       No Wrong Door Project

o   A delivery plan for the project had been completed. Funding would be released on completion of a Grant Funding Agreement. Staff appointment to support delivery was expected imminently.

·       Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub

o   A delivery plan was in place and outputs had been agreed

·       Business Advisor for Lincoln

o   Recruitment for the position had commenced and if successful, appointment should be made by October 2023

·       The Restore Programme

o   A delivery plan had been completed and the project would commence delivery on completion of the Gant Funding Agreement

·       Linking Local Business to Local People Programme

o   The programme was in development. Emerging projects included addressing skill gaps in electric vehicle and green energy maintenance and servicing sectors had been identified

o   A full project programme was expected for presentation to Executive in Autumn.

·       A workshop with City Council Members was planned for the end of September 2023 which aimed to review the scope, priorities and opportunities for future projects. Developed proposals would be presented to the Executive during late Autumn.

b)    welcomed comments and questions from Members of the Board.

Comment: In respect of business, it would be positive to work collaboratively with the Chamber of Commerce and Greater Lincolnshire LEP (GLLEP) to ensure confidence of connections.

Response: The appointment of the Business Advisor position had been explored in connection with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses however due to the withdrawal of funding, it was not possible to proceed. Considerable business support had fallen away due to a lack of funding. Thanks given to colleagues at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) for assistance offered to City of Lincoln Council to support businesses.

(Note: Ric Metcalfe left proceedings at 10:38)

Comment: When electric vehicles (EV) was considered, collaborative working was essential to ensure effective connections to prevent excess funding offered to the same objective.

Comment: The success of the project within the Ermine area was positive and welcomed. It was important to consider project continuity.

Comment from Karl McCartney, Member of Parliament for Lincoln: The location of EV training was of interest and apprenticeships were of high importance for Government. Within the automotive sector, apprenticeships registered at Lincoln College, were Newark based. Funding for training within the sector needed to be based in Lincoln. There were practicality considerations, such as the accessibility of public transport, to be made when the availability of training advertised, was not local.

(Note: Ric Metcalfe re-joined proceedings at 10:42)

Comment: Libraries were a statutory responsibility of the Lincolnshire County Council. Colleagues at LCC would work in connection with CoLC colleagues.

Comment: Consideration given to policy work for business support to ensure connections were in place.

Question from Karl McCartney, Member of Parliament for Lincoln: EV training was GLLEP funded. Was the funding utilised in Lincoln rather than cross boarder?

Response: College training was based from Gainsborough.

Comment: Suggestion to consider a business support ‘map’ which demonstrated the connections in place and the support available to businesses.

(Note: Karl McCartney left proceedings at 10:45)

Comment: GLLEP colleagues would continue to work with officers at CoLC in exploration of opportunities within the next wave of funding.

RESOLVED that:

1)    Officers be tasked with the creation of a business map to demonstrate the support available for businesses and the identification of gaps.

2)    the Democratic Services Officer be tasked with the inclusion of an update on the Forward Plan for the next meeting of the Board on 1 December 2023.

the update be noted with thanks.