To gain approval to accept and spend the Re-Opening of the High Street Safely Fund (RHSSF) Covid 19 grant funding amounting to £172,188 from the Ministry of Home, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG). 

The Fund will provide the council with additional funding to support measures that enable Covid 19 safe trading in public places. The fund will particularly focus on high streets, as well as other public places that are at the heart of the market towns and Hereford, enabling them to safely re-open following the current lockdown.  As per the Action Plan included in the grant funding agreement (Appendix A), the funds will be utilised for enhancements to the public realm and signage, and a communications campaign to encourage people to buy locally whilst following government guidance.

That:

a)    The council accepts the Re-Opening of the High Street Safely grant funding offered by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government totalling £172,188;

b)   The approach to delivering the grant funding be approved;

c)    The Director for Economy and Place be authorised to sign on behalf of the council the grant funding agreement

d)   Authority be delegated to the Director for Economy and Place, following consultation with the cabinet member for Environment, Economy and Skills and the S151 Officer, to make any operational decisions required to ensure the successful delivery of the scheme.

1.    Do nothing: The council could reject the grant funding offered.  This is not considered an option as businesses in Hereford City and the market towns need support to mitigate the impact of Covid 19 by introducing a range of measures designed to help restart the local economy in their towns and cities.