Issue - meetings

To agree to direct the £1.5 million coming to Gwynedd from the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund to the Schemes listed in Appendix 2 of the report

The Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Head of Finance, was authorised to confirm details of the proposed package of schemes to be supported, ensuring operational arrangements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Fund.

The report was presented by Cllr R Medwyn Hughes.

DECISION

To agree to direct the £1.5 million coming to Gwynedd from the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund to the Schemes listed in Appendix 2 of the report.

The Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Head of Finance, was authorised to confirm details of the proposed package of schemes to be supported, ensuring operational arrangements in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Fund.

DISCUSSION

It was confirmed in September of last year that £1.5 million had been earmarked for Gwynedd from the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund. It was explained that this was a capital fund programmed for the period 2025/26 to 2026/27.

The 3 main objectives of the Fund were explained, namely refurbishing community spaces, enhancing public spaces, and regenerating high streets and town centres.

The objectives of the Fund were said to align with the Community and Town Centre Regeneration Plan, which was within the Council's Plan 2023-28. Reference was made to the regeneration framework within the plan, and the local regeneration schemes that had been developed for 13 catchment areas across the County.

It was noted that Appendix 1 contained a summary of grant-funded regeneration projects through the Regeneration Programmes Service or Community Support Service during the period 2022/3 - 2025/6. It was highlighted that the total grants administered were £32m, supporting £53m worth of projects across the County. It was added that a package of proposals for the Fund was included as Appendix 2.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was confirmed that fairness across the County was a priority, and that this money was for Gwynedd.

·       It was asked why some counties received a bigger amount than others. In response, it was highlighted that this was not due to an application process and that it was up to the Government to decide which counties received the higher share of funding. It was proposed that the Leader could write to the First Minister to seek clarification about this allocation.

·       Examples of where this money would be spent were requested. It was noted that this was reflected in the report and that several factors were considered when reaching a decision. Reference was made to the projects listed in Appendix 2, noting that there was an attempt to spread the investment across the County. It was acknowledged that it was not a very significant amount, and that caution must be exercised in spending it.