Issue - meetings

To consider the Capacity Funding for Engagement Report.

Contact: James Blamires, Project Officer, Town Centre Regeneration.

RESOLVED-

1)    That the Plan for Neighbourhoods Capacity Funding for Engagement report be noted,

2)    That the Board agrees that £66,000, of the expected £200,000 Minister for Housing Communities and Local Government capacity funding (2025/26) be allocated to support engagement activities as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods on receipt of the funds.

The Board received a report on Capacity Funding for Engagement. David Wildman, Acting Head of Town Centres explained that the Plan for Neighbourhoods guidance had been updated with priority changes which needed to be reflected in the Regeneration Plan, with the funding for delivery being delayed by a financial year. However, £200,000 of capacity funding had been allocated to support development of the Regeneration Plan for Dewsbury in 2025/26.  To enable further engagement to take place that would build on the engagement activities undertaken in Summer/Autumn 2024, approximately one third (£66,000) of the capacity funding would be required.  The distribution of funding would enable engagement and communication activities, supported by Kirklees Council consultation team and project officers.  Events would be planned and delivered through this allocated resourcing and promoted through existing Board platforms.

Mr Wildman advised the Board that the £66,000 of capacity funding would be broken down as follows:

• £10,000 Event Led Engagement
• £20,000 Business Engagement
• £13,000 Communications/Profile
• £23,000 Events, planning, and resourcing

During discussion, the Board suggested that measurables of spending should be provided to ensure transparency. The Chair advised that an evaluation of investment of money would be provided to the Board.

RESOLVED-

1) That the Plan for Neighbourhoods Capacity Funding for Engagement report be noted,

2) That the Board agrees that £66,000 of the expected £200,000 Minister for Housing Communities and Local Government capacity funding (2025/26) be allocated to support engagement activities as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods on receipt of the funds.