Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet

a)     agree the revised proposed mechanism for the allocation of the Business Support element of the Rural England Prosperity Fund as set out in paragraph 3.2;

b)     agree to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Place, Operations and Sustainability in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy on any further changes to the allocation of funds or other delivery issues; and

c)     agree to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Place, Operations and Sustainability to take all decisions and actions on the administration and allocation of the Fund in line with government guidance.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Yes.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Economy.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, introduced the report, highlighting that the funding would benefit people in the rural areas of the District. The latest funding criteria required applicants to contribute a minimum of 50% matched funding on capital investment, to ensure genuine and well planned applications were submitted for consideration.

Cabinet Members expressed their support to the revised proposed mechanism for the allocation of Business Support and was conscious that any funding provided to the rural areas of the New Forest would have wide-reaching benefits, across the District, not just in the immediate area that funding was received.

A non Cabinet member sought a definition of rural businesses and expressed concern that some businesses would not know whether they were eligible to apply if this was not clear.  An officer response was provided and members noted that any businesses located in the rural area were likely to be eligible but that further clarity would be provided.  Members were reminded that the map of the District’s DEFRA designated ‘rural areas’ formed part of the report considered by the Cabinet in March 2023.