Report by Chief Executive
1
There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the recent publication of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) prospectus and budget allocation to Renfrewshire Council from the UK Government.
To draw down SPF funding, all areas were required to develop an Investment Plan for the funding and the UK Government had indicated a preference for a regional approach where possible. An in-principle agreement had been reached at the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Cabinet to progress at the regional level.
The report outlined the broad principles of the funding, the proposed approach for Renfrewshire’s investment plan and the joint work with the other GCR local authorities to develop a Regional Investment Plan for the Glasgow City Region.
Councillor Steel, seconded by Councillor Campbell moved (a) that the direction from UKG to pursue a regional approach in the design and delivery of the SPF be noted and that it be further noted that this was also the preferred position of the Scottish Government; (b) that it be noted that the SPF Regional Investment Plan would be developed as a Glasgow City Region plan in conjunction with all eight Member Authorities with all necessary approvals at both regional and local level being in place prior to a draft Investment Plan submission in summer 2022; (c) that it be noted that the timelines set by the UK Government would very likely require the development and submission of a detailed investment proposal over the course of the summer recess period; (d) that authority be delegated to the Head of Economy and Development, in conjunction with the Convenor, to finalise a detailed set of SPF proposals at a Renfrewshire level which reflected the broad principles set out in the main body of the report and which would feed directly into the GCR submission; and (e) that it be noted that a follow up report would be provided to the September board cycle outlining the detailed proposals submitted to the UK government programme.
Councillor Clark, seconded by Councillor McMillan, moved as an amendment that “it is recommended that the Board delegate authority to the Head of Economy and Development in conjunction with the Convener to shape a detailed set of SPF proposals at a Renfrewshire level which reflect the broad principles set out in the main body of this report and that these are brought to the board for agreement before feeding directly into the GCR submission”
On the roll being called, the following members voted for the amendment: Councillors Ann-Dowling, Clark, N Graham, McCulloch and McMillan.
The following members voted for the voted for the motion: Councillors Burns, Campbell, Andy Doig, McGurk, McNaughtan, Nicolson, Paterson, Shaw and Steel.
5 members having voted for the amendment and 9 members having voted for the motion, the motion was accordingly declared carried.
DECIDED:
(a) That the direction from the UK Government to pursue a regional approach in the design and delivery of the SPF be noted, and that it be further noted that this was also the preferred position of the Scottish Government;
(b) That it be noted that the SPF Regional Investment Plan would be developed as a Glasgow City Region plan in conjunction with all eight member authorities with all necessary approvals at both regional and local level being in place prior to a draft Investment Plan submission in summer 2022;
(c) That it be noted that the timelines set by the UK Government would very likely require the development and submission of a detailed investment proposal over the course of the summer recess period;
(d) That authority be delegated to the Head of Economy and Development, in conjunction with the Convenor, to finalise a detailed set of SPF proposals at a Renfrewshire level which would reflect the broad principles set out in the main body of the report and which would feed directly into the GCR submission; and
(e) That it be noted that a follow up report would be provided to the September board cycle outlining the detailed proposals submitted to the UK government programme.