Decision details

The report outlines Leeds City Council’s current position in relation to UK Shared Prosperity Fund funding.  The report provides an update with progress to date a plan, the Council’s priorities for the fund, the timeline for the fund, the next steps towards implementation and the decisions which need to be taken to ensure the Council is in a position to accept the funding and spend for year 1.

Further to Minute No. 143, 20^th April 2022, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and set out proposed high-level priorities for Leeds. The report sought endorsement of those priorities and agreement to delegate necessary authority to the Director of City Development to accept UKSPF funding and also to authorise year 1 delivery.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further details on the breakdown of the funding allocation, the levels of funding being received when compared to that of the EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), the timeframes by which such allocations would need to be spent and how the allocation would align to the 3 investment priorities. The Board also received further information on the provision of other complementary funding streams which were available.

In response to an enquiry, the Board received an update on the activity of the MP Engagement Group, in line with the requirement to consult with local MPs.

Members also received further detail on the process by which the added value arising from the investments made via this funding stream would be monitored and assessed. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the high-level UKSPF priorities for Leeds, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted and endorsed;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development, in order to enable the Director to accept UKSPF funding (including Multiply) and contract with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, subject to our priorities being accepted by UK Government;

(c)  That the Board authorise procurement and spend for year 1 delivery of the interventions, outputs and outcomes of UKSPF, as set out within the West Yorkshire Local Investment Plan, subject to approval by UK Government.

Consultation has taken place and continues to take place as the programme evolves prior to implementation.

The Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education has been briefed on our thinking around the delivery of the plan.

Service areas have been consulted on their delivery capabilities which have fed into the high level priorities submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). WYCA have undertaken wider consultation across the region which has fed into local plans.

Consultation will be undertaken with local stakeholders between now and November to finalise delivery plans.