To approve the submission to government of a shortlist of projects applying to the UK Community Renewal Fund for a combined maximum amount of £3m, and for the council to agree to be the accountable body for any Community Renewal Funding awarded to those projects shortlisted by the council and approved by government.

That:

a)    Subsequent to an independently conducted appraisal process that followed government guidance and appraisal criteria, the council approves the submission of a shortlist of recommended projects to the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund by 18 June 2021;

b)    The council agrees to act as the accountable body for the Community Renewal Fund within Herefordshire and any grant funding award that is agreed with government;

c)    Authority is delegated to the Director for Economy and Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member Environment and Economy to confirm and submit to government a shortlist of Community Renewal Fund project bids with a combined value of up to £3m;

d)   Authority is delegated to the Director for Economy and Place and S151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member Environment and Economy to undertake any operational decisions required to implement the Community Renewal Fund within Herefordshire;

e)    The council accepts the grant of £20k capacity funding to support the promotion and appraisal of the Community Renewal Fund, and any further capacity funding to manage grant fund awards.

1.            Alternative Option 1 - To not make a submission to the UK Community Renewal Fund. 

2.            Advantages – the council would not be exposed to any risk associated with the delivery of the Community Renewal Fund.

3.            Disadvantages – Since the announcement by government of the Community Renewal Fund and inclusion of Herefordshire as one of 100 priority places there has been significant anticipation and interest in making project submissions from a range of public, private and voluntary groups from within Herefordshire.  The council are tasked with assessing applications and making a submission to government of a shortlist of bids on behalf of third party organisations.  There would be significant reputational impact if the council determined not to make a submission.