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
requirement, 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.