Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that Executive: 1) endorse the delegated decision made with special urgency by the Chief Executive in relation to accepting UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UK SPF) totalling £803,023 from the East Midlands Combined County Authority; and,

2)    endorse the associated investment plan agreed by the Council’s Strategic Commissioning Board on 7^th March 2025 and to make direct awards of contracts where required in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules requirements.

Executive considered a report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Devolution, which sought Members’ approval to endorse the Delegated Decision made under special urgency by the Chief Executive in relation to the acceptance of the recent UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) grant and to endorse the associated investment plan recommended by the Council’s Strategic Commissioning Board on 7^th March 2025. The report also sought approval to make direct awards of contracts, where required, in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules.

In answer to a question, the Monitoring Officer informed Members that there were strict limitations in place in accordance with procurement rules and this would not set a precedent.

To a question on the location of the creative hub within the District, the Leader informed Members that this would likely be in Bolsover Town.  The Portfolio Holder for Growth added that there was an ongoing investigation of works associated with the £15 million granted, with discussions taking place between the Council and Old Bolsover Town Council.

To a question on the allocation of funding, the Chief Executive informed a full report explaining the reasoning behind each decision could be provided on the projects chosen / not chosen.  The Portfolio Holder for Growth added that the six projects selected had been existing projects with planning permission already granted. Due to time constraints on the spending of the award, young projects at the beginning of their development could not be considered as they would not have been completed by early 2026.

To a question on the age of the Strategic Commissioning Board, the Chief Executive informed three meetings had taken place to date and the exact details and scheduling of these meetings could be provided to Members after the meeting.

Moved by Councillor John Ritchie and seconded by Councillor Tom Munro

RESOLVED that: 1) the delegated decision made under special urgency by the Chief Executive in relation to accepting UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UK SPF) totalling £803,023 from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, be endorsed,

2)    the associated investment plan recommended by the Council’s Strategic Commissioning Board on 7^th March 2025 and the making of direct awards of contracts, where required in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules requirements, be endorsed.

Having previously declared their interest in the following item of business, Councillors Mary Dooley and John Ritchie left the meeting.