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Consideration was given to proposals for the
allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/26 as
detailed in Table  1 at 5.4 of the
report.
 
The programme took a balanced approach, aimed
to deliver under each of the three UKSPF priorities, allocated
funding towards strategic priorities and delivered considerable
tangible benefits to communities. 
 
Particular reference was made to the Rural
England Prosperity Fund which had helped to support rural
communities and businesses. 
 Whilst the Department for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) had recently announced
further funding for 2025/26, there was uncertainty around the
amount to be received.  It was proposed
that when the Rural England Prosperity Funding became available it
be used for further rounds of the West Kent Rural Grant Scheme.
 
Cabinet had due regard to the views of the
Finance, Regeneration and Property Scrutiny Select Committee,
the  financial and value for money
considerations and noted that there should be minimal delays in
progressing the programme at the start of the financial
year. 
 
Cllr Coffin proposed, seconded by Cllr Betts
and Cabinet
 
RESOLVED: 
That
 

(1)            
the proposed UKSPF Programme for 2025/26, as set out in Table 1 be
approved;
 

(2)            
delegated authority be given to the Strategic Economic Regeneration
Manager, in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change,
Regeneration and Property, to make minor amendments to the
programme that might be needed in the event of project underspend;
and
 

(3)            
the use of any additional Rural England Prosperity Fund for
2025/26  (allocation amount to be
confirmed) for further rounds of the West Kent Rural Grants Scheme
be approved.