Decision

To approve upfront payments of UKSPF grants on
a case-by-case basis to community and voluntary organisations and
agree the process for approval.

Reasons for the decision

North Lincolnshire Council has been delegated
responsibility to administer and manage the UK Shared Prosperity
Fund on behalf of the Towns Fund Board. An Officer Decision Making
Panel has been established to consider the applications and the
recommendations require Officer sign off as part of the Councils
standing orders.

The preferred option opens up funding/project opportunities for
organisations who would otherwise not be able to achieve their
ambitions.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – allow upfront payments based
on strong evidence of need in accordance with the outlined
authorisation process with no maximum limit projects can request in
one payment. This option was dismissed as it presented a high level
of risk to the programmes funds and investment plan.

Option 3 – no upfront payments to be made. This option was
dismissed as it would impact on the viability of some organisations
delivering projects under UKSPF.