Decision details

Cabinet was informed of the progress of external funding applications and invited to agree the acceptance of external funding to support the delivery of the Council’s priorities.

Members were reminded that the report presented was one of a series that sought approval for funding applications and/or accepting funding subsequently offered to the Council. The report detailed the request to funders for a total of £1.53m with £600k match funding, with a project total value of £2.13m.

Details of each project were summarised in the report, and Members were advised that approval of the listed applications would support key priorities in the Council Plan. The report built on the vision articulated in the UK Central Strategic Masterplan in that the latent economic potential in UKC would only be realised through a comprehensive infrastructure and investment programme. The creation and enhancement of green infrastructure was a critical element of the approach.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the following be noted:-

(a)  The submission of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC), to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) relating to A45 Damson Parkway Junction Improvements.

(b)  The submission of an Expression of Interest to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership’s (GBSLEP’s) Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) Enabling Fund - Expression of Interest for Towns and Local Centres Revenue Funding relating to Shirley Town Centre.

(c)  The submission of an application to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for an extension to the existing Small Habitats Grant programme.

(d)  The submission of an Expression of Interest to MHCLG’s recently announced Future High Street Fund relating to improvements at Chelmsley Wood Town Centre.

(ii) That it be agreed to delegate authority to the relevant Director to sign any contractual arrangements associated with the above funding in conjunction with the relevant Cabinet Member.