The Executive Cabinet of Chorley Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss various significant matters, including the approval of a procurement strategy for the Levelling Up Fund, updates to the Water Safety Policy, and the introduction of statutory food waste collections. The meeting also covered the allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds and amendments to the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS).

Procurement Strategy - Levelling Up Fund

Councillor Alistair Bradley, the Executive Leader and Executive Member for Economic Development and Public Service Reform, presented the procurement strategy for the Levelling Up Fund. The council secured £20 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund for the regeneration of Chorley Town Centre. The strategy focuses on three key locations: Bengal Street Residential Development, Civic Square Mixed-Use Development, and the Health and Wellbeing Hub. Members acknowledged the challenging timescales and the need to balance cost, quality, and value for money.

Resolved:

1. To approve the procurement strategy.
2. To delegate the contract award for consultants and main contractors to the Executive Member for Economic Development and Public Service Reform.

Reasons for recommendations:

1. To progress the delivery of the Levelling Up Fund project.
2. To mitigate any risk to the £20 million funding.

Water Safety Policy Update

Councillor Adrian Lowe, the Executive Member for Customer, Streetscene and Environment, presented the updated Water Safety Policy. The policy includes a list of water bodies on council land and aims to meet legal and health and safety requirements.

Resolved: To approve the updated Water Safety Policy.

Reasons for recommendations:

1. The revised policy is relevant, fit for purpose, and meets legal and health and safety requirements.
2. The policy supports the effective management of council assets and provides operational support.
3. The site assessment process and risk scoring system have been improved.

Food Waste Collections

Councillor Adrian Lowe also presented the report on the introduction of statutory food waste collections by 31 March 2026. Funding has been confirmed by Defra for capital costs, and the Lancashire Waste Partnership will seek assurances for full funding of reasonable capital costs.

Resolved:

1. To introduce statutory weekly food waste collections across Chorley by 31 March 2026.
2. To procure non-vented food waste caddies and liners via public sector frameworks.
3. To procure specialised food waste collection vehicles via public sector frameworks.
4. To agree on the tender evaluation criteria based on 80% cost and 20% quality ratio.
5. To delegate contract award approval to the Executive Member for Resources.
6. To undertake an options modelling exercise for waste and recycling service improvements.
7. To present a further report for capital budget approval and service delivery improvements.

Reasons for recommendations:

1. The Environment Act 2021 mandates weekly food waste collections by 31 March 2026.
2. Early decisions on key service elements will enable timely procurements.
3. Exemption from the standard social value weighting is proposed due to the nature of the assets.
4. Delegated approval streamlines the procurement process.

Allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funds and Amendments to the Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS)

Councillor Alistair Morwood, the Executive Member for Planning and Development, presented the report on the allocation of CIL funds and amendments to the IFS. The report sought approval for new projects, additional funds for existing projects, and the removal of completed projects from the IFS.

Resolved:

1. To approve the amendment of the IFS to include new projects and allocate £1,226,388.20 in CIL funds:
   • Improvements to Astley Village local shopping centre and community centre
   • Improvements to Chorley Bus Station
   • Improvements to Chapel Street, Chorley Town Centre
   • Improvements to Euxton local shopping centres (Runshaw Lane, Talbot Row, and Talbot Drive)
   • Replacement of 83 bus shelters across the borough
   • Public EV charge points on Chorley Council long stay car parks
   • Gillett Playing Field Enhancements, Weavers Brow, Heath Charnock
2. To approve the allocation of £2 million additional funds to the refurbishment of the Leisure Centres.
3. To remove completed projects from the IFS:
   • Car park for Astley Park and Westway on Westway, Euxton
   • Highways and infrastructure for Eaves Lane GP Surgery and Community Centre development at Tatton, Chorley
   • Refurbishment of market public toilets, Chorley
   • Wigan Lane Archery Facility – new pavilion and associated infrastructure

Reasons for recommendations: To allocate CIL funds transparently and ensure the methodology is clear.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.