Purpose

The
report will seek approval for the Council to work with the
District/Borough Councils to deliver elements of UKSPF
funding

Decision

That Cabinet:
1.    
Supports the use of the remaining European Match Funding and Rural
Growth Network Reserves alongside investment via the District and
Borough Councils from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
in order to increase the scope and scale
of specific joint programmes.
2.    
Subject to agreement with the District and Borough Councils:

(i)   
Approves the Council acting as accountable body for specific
elements of UKSPF funding and for the Council to lead on the
commissioning of joint programmes.

(ii)  
Authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to enter into UKSPF funding agreements with individual
District and Borough Councils on terms and conditions acceptable to
the Strategic Director for Resources.

(iii)Approves varying
and extending two contracts with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber
of Commerce for the ongoing provision of business start-up services
and support to businesses in the tourism, leisure and hospitality
sector using Council and UKSPF funding.

(iv)Approves the
commencement of appropriate procurement activity and/ or
competitive calls for projects to deliver the priorities of the
UKSPF funding.
3.    
Authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to negotiate and
enter into all necessary contracts and agreements required to
deliver the approved recommendations on terms and conditions
acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources.