Agenda item

The Chair invited Paul Green, Policy Adviser, to introduce the report.

Paul introduced the report which provided an update following the announcement of the successful Community Renewal Fund pilots.

Board Members made the following comments:

·       A Board Member raised a concern in relation to the lack of correlation between the comments that were provided as part of the CRF bidding process and the projects that were funded. He emphasised the importance of government being clear and transparent in relation to the role that local authorities would play in the bidding and roll-out process.

·       It was feared that the CRF’s competitive bidding process would eliminate collaborative working between local authorities.

·       The emphasis on learning and enhancing the learning process was welcomed, with a request that the application and approval process be more transparent.

·       Concerns were raised in relation to the bidding process and subsequent communications, the logic around the awards the competitive nature and a potential gap/loss of momentum which could jeopardise projects.

Paul responded to Board Members’ comments:

·       The competitive nature of the CRF was detrimental and would be made clear to government through engagement with councillors and through improvement work.

·       The need for the multi-annual funding stream was essential. Funds would continue to be spent and programmes delivered up to 2023, which provided longevity for long-term investments to be made.

Decision:

·       Board Members noted the report.

Action:

·       Officers would continue to attempt to engage with Ministers and Civil Servants for a political meeting to highlight anguish with regards to the CRF, alongside the City Regions Board.