Following the implementation of a number of projects within the schemes agreed in the original Covid recovery plan approved by cabinet on 24 June 2021, it has become apparent that some of the schemes are going to have underspend within the initial allocated budget and some have been oversubscribed.  To ensure that all underspend can be fully maximised within the given timeframes to support economic recovery and the community wellbeing of residents as part of Covid Recovery it is requested that delegated authority be given to the Section 151 officer following consultation with the appropriate director to move the allocated funding between the approved schemes.

That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 officer, following consultation with the appropriate director, to reallocate funding between agreed schemes within the Covid Recovery Plan to maximise the £6.144m budget.

1.             Do nothing - If delegated authority is not granted then all decisions will need to follow the key cabinet member decision making process which would cause delays in reallocating any underspend.  A key risk associated with this is that funding would not be reallocated by 31 March 2022 meaning significant underspend in the overall Covid Recovery Plan budget.