Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 25, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   Better Billingshurst Projects   i)               To approve the creation of a Better Billingshurst Spending Panel (comprising of key individuals as referred to in paragraph 3.2) to (i) assess and prioritise projects and ii) ensure that funding is allocated to those projects on a fair and reasonable basis;   ii)              To approve the spending of the Better Billingshurst Infrastructure Development Fund (save for the amount to be ringfenced for the Better Billingshurst Community Grant) on projects that are brought forward for Billingshurst, subject to the governance arrangements contained in paragraphs 1.8 to 1.25 to this report; and   iii)             To delegate to the Director of Place (in consultation with the Better Billingshurst Spending Panel and the Director of Communities) the authority to (i) approve projects and any associated allocation of grant funding and (ii) award, finalise the terms of and enter into the required contracts to facilitate the delivery of those projects.   Better Billingshurst Community Grant   i)               To approve the ringfencing of £10,000 of the Better Billingshurst Infrastructure Development Fund to create a Community Grant to support local voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations in delivering initiatives in Billingshurst;   ii)              To agree that the Community Grant be allocated in accordance with the Council’s existing Community Grants Policy; and   iii)             To delegate to the Director of Place (in consultation with the Better Billingshurst Spending Panel and the Director of Communities) the authority to (i) approve the ringfencing of any further monies from the Better Billingshurst Infrastructure Development Fund for the Community Grant and (ii) to agree that such monies be allocated in accordance with the Community Grants Policy.     REASONS   i)               Provide a transparent and equitable framework for the spending of Council monies from the fund.   ii)              Set out the relationship between the Council and key stakeholders.   iii)             To ensure the fund is spent on improvements to the public realm and / or community facilities in Billingshurst.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   Not establishing an infrastructure development fund was considered but rejected because it is recognised that Billingshurst needs additional investment in its services and facilities to ensure the Parish’s infrastructure keeps pace with the residential and commercial development.   Alternative constitutions of the representative members on the Spending Panel have been considered, but other options did not achieve the right balance between the local authority representatives at a district and parish level and the community voice