Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval
to implement the Business Recovery Grant Scheme – Storm Babet
2023 (BRG), and to delegate administration and decision making
under the scheme to the relevant Director in accordance with
guidance issued by the Department for Business and Trade
(DBT).
The report also seeks delegation to Director level to sign the
memorandum of understanding with DBT in relation to BRG.

Decision

1)Approve implementation of the Business
Recovery Grant Scheme – Storm Babet.
2)Delegate to the relevant Director, the authority to administer
and determine all applications for grants under the scheme in line
with DBT guidance at Appendix 1 and any further guidance
issued.
3)Delegate authority to Director level to complete the Memorandum
of Understanding issued by DBT to enable participation in the
Business Recovery Grant Scheme – Storm Babet.

Reasons for the decision

To enable officers to move forward with the
implementation of the Business Recovery Grant Scheme - Storm
Babet.

Alternative options considered

An alternative would be not to implement the
scheme locally. However, this would be contrary to Government
expectation and recommendation and would not enable financial
support to those businesses impacted by Storm Babet. Completion of
the memorandum of understanding with DBT is required to access the
BRG scheme.
Administration and determination of the schemes could remain with
the Executive, however it is considered for expediency that
delegation to director level will ensure decisions are taken
without overburdening the executive.