Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 25, 2025

Purpose: The Cabinet will be asked to consider options relating to the future arrangements for Be First, the Council-owned company launched in 2017 with the key objective of driving forward the delivery of the Council’s regeneration agenda.

Content: Cabinet resolved to:   (i)  Approve a more streamlined Be First focussed on enabling and facilitating other investors to deliver the Council’s strategic objectives with greater accountability and lower financial risk, as detailed in Option 3 in Section 3 of the report;   (ii)  Agree that a new Be First Business Plan, reflecting the new business model, be submitted to Cabinet for approval within five months; and   (iii)  Note that a new Inclusive Growth Strategy, aligning the Council’s regeneration priorities with current financial realities and guiding company implementation, shall be presented to Cabinet for approval later in the year.