Issue details
Travel Fund, Towns Fund
Reasons for decision: In July 2020 government
announced that under the Towns Fund programme they were offering
Hereford a grant of £750,000 to fund capital projects that
can be delivered this financial year. This grant will be used to
support capital spend within the intervention framework as set out
in the Towns Fund Further Guidance.
The expenditure will be included within the medium term financial
strategy and capital programme.
The business case details the revenue impact of the project which
will be managed within current revenue budgets. There is no
additional funding
requirements, with all projects managed within existing teams for
delivery.
TravelFund grant schemes have been very successful in promoting
increased sustainable travel in local businesses and organisations.
In spring 2020 a TravelFund grant scheme, funded by the Department
for Transport, provided video-conferencing equipment and e-bikes to
help local businesses to continue to trade during the pandemic.
Fifty four applications were received and twenty businesses were
supported.
This grant scheme will promote and encourage low carbon transport
solutions. It will help to reduce congestion and improve air
quality, with the added benefit of reducing fuel and vehicle
maintenance costs. It will also raise awareness of low carbon
travel options, encourage healthier choices and help reach the
carbon neutrality target by 2030.
Private sector businesses will be prioritised, SME and sole traders
will be eligible for funding. Charities and public sector
organisations will be considered where demand and benefit can be
demonstrated.
Likewise businesses within the boundary area will be prioritised
and those sitting outside the Towns Fund accelerated projects
boundary will only be considered where they can definitively state
they will use the equipment within the Towns Fund accelerated
projects boundary.
Awards will be paid on receipt of a valid suppliers invoice unless
the lead time for an order goes beyond 31 March 2021. In that case
the award will be paid in advance with a claw back clause included
in the grant agreement.
Total mileage and numbers of users will be monitored and
recorded.
We will publicise the grant on the council website, twitter and via
the Travel for Work network, to business organisations and to local
networks as well as previous recipients of previous Travel Fund
grants.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 09/02/2021
Decision due: 9 February 2021 by Director of Economy and Place (Historic)
Contact: Annie Barratt, Principal Energy and Active Travel Officer Email: jbarratt@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 260512.
Decisions
- 09/02/2021 - Travel Fund, Towns Fund