Decision details

To approve £415,000 LCC resources identified in the Capital Programme and in City Development revenue budgets to be used as match funding in the Ad:Venture Programme and the Digital Enterprise projects which are currently being appraised for European Regional Development Fund grant, as part of the ESIF Programme. 

To authorise the Director of City Development to proceed to contract if the project appraisal is successful.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) programme for the Leeds City Region and which provided information on progress made by the Council in developing projects. The report also sought approval to enter into a contract for two early projects currently being considered by the ESIF managing authority, namely the ‘Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme’ and the ‘Digital Enterprise Project’, and sought the relevant ‘authorisation to spend’.

Responding to an enquiry, assurances were provided that Opposition Groups would be kept informed of any future outline applications for ESIF which were intended to be submitted.

In addition, it was requested that further information be provided to Executive Members detailing the extent to which other organisations and partners across the city had accessed such funding streams.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the summary of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programme and the progress made to date in developing projects within the Council, be noted.

(b)  That Council expenditure for Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme of £345,000 and for the Digital Enterprise Project of £70,000, a total of £415,000, be authorised. 

(c)  That the Director of City Development be authorised to enter into contract with the relevant ESIF Managing Authority for the Ad:Venture Enterprise Growth Programme and the Digital Enterprise Project.

(d)  That it be noted that future outline applications for ESIF projects will be submitted by the relevant Director under their delegated authority and in consultation with the Executive Member, and that Executive Board approval will be sought prior to entering into any contracts for successful ESIF applications. 

Briefings

Executive Member for Resources and Strategy (as Executive Lead for ESIF)