Purpose

Rural England Prosperity Grant Fund Programme

Decision

The Panel agreed on, 24th August 2026:

Re-Open grants

·         To award CDE Club Community Interest Company: Swaffham, the sum of  £8,000

Reasons for the decision

Since the Meanwhile/Re-Open scheme opened in 2022, Breckland Council has awarded over £220,000 to help 26 local businesses off the ground, which has helped to fill over 1100 sqm of empty commercial space and created over thirty jobs, plus volunteering opportunities.

This grant is being funding by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2025/2026.  Cabinet, at its meeting of 24 March 2025, agreed a proposed approach to utilising this funding, with delegated authority to the Executive Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder of Economy and Growth for the administration, delivery and operation of the funding.

As such, an allocation has been made as part of this scheme, identified above.

Alternative options considered

·         To award the grant

·         Not to award the grant