Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents an update on the ESIF Programme for Leeds City Region and provides information on the progress made by the Council in developing projects. In addition, the report seeks approval to enter into contracts for two early projects, and seeks associated authority to spend.

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.