Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development was submitted for consideration by the Committee.

The Leader and Portfolio Member for Economic Development said that the new UK Government has chosen to remove the term ‘Levelling Up’ with all funding now promoted as ‘Funded by UK Government’. He said that the report focuses on the UK Government Funded programme being delivered by the Diocese of Bangor at the St Cybi’s Church in Holyhead. He further referred to the successful opening of the refurbished kiosks at Newry Beach, Holyhead with four businesses operating from these kiosks. 

In considering the report, the Committee discussed the following main matters:-

·         Questions were raised as to whether the Levelling Up programme can impact on the Isle of Anglesey’s economy and local communities be quantified. The Levelling Up Programme Manager responded that it is premature to consider the impact of the change in government at present.  He noted that the refurbishment of the kiosks at Newry Beach, Holyhead has opened with 4½ posts been created and 7 construction posts were afforded during refurbishment of the kiosks.  Construction materials were also purchased mostly from local builders’ merchants. 

·         Questions were raised as to the measures currently in place to promote and increase awareness of the effective local partnership work behind the programme. The Levelling Up Programme Manager responded that it is considered that community engagement is paramount to inform the residence of Holyhead as to work undertaken in the area.  He further noted that a PR company, Ateb Cyntaf Cyf has been appointed to promote the programme and raise awareness of key milestones.  The Programme Delivery Team works closely with each of the Delivery Partners to progress their projects and a monthly meeting is convened to monitor key issues and risks.  He considered that working collaboratively with the Delivery Partners has set a foundation for island wide projects. 

·         Questions were raised as to what degree does the recent change in UK Government have an impact on the current Programme and prospects for future funding/programmes in other local communities.  The Levelling Up Programme Manager responded that there is no change to the Programme due to the recent change in government with only the name of the programme been changed to ‘Funded by UK Government’.  He noted that the Arfor and SPF projects are still ongoing, however, beyond 2026 it is uncertain whether there will be funding available towards these projects.  The Chief Executive said that additional funding for an additional year was announced in the Budget in October.  However, it will be awaited as to what funding arrangements will be in place thereafter towards such programme and it is hoped that funding will be awarded directly to the Council to decide on its expenditure. 

·         Reference was made that several projects have had to be re-tendered as the tendered costs were much higher than the available budget.   Questions were raised as to the risks that the projects will not be able to be delivered.    The Levelling Up Programme Manager responded that financial and the delivery timeframe set out by UK Government are a risk factor in delivering these projects. However, the Officers are confident that the current projects can be delivered and the Partner organisations have also been actively securing grant funding towards for their projects. The Head of Regulation and Economic Development said that the Levelling Up Team have engaged continuing with the partner organisations to ensured that scopes of some projects are adapted to ensure that they are affordable and achievable.

·         Questions were raised whether funding will be available for rural communities to be able to submit projects within the ‘Funded UK Government’ scheme.   The Head of Regulation and Economic Development responded that it is uncertain, at present, as to the grant funding that will be available.  The SPF funding is used to cover projects within rural areas that can be addressed in the short-term whilst awaiting whether further funding will be available to address the needs of rural areas.

·         Reference was made that the report highlights that one of the strategic objectives of the St Cybi project is to establish a social enterprise café and foodbank facilities.  Questions were raised as to what extent will the proposed foodbank operate in partnership with the existing Anglesey Foodbank in Holyhead or will this be a new independent initiative.  The Levelling Up Programme Manager responded that there are uncertainties at present as to whom will be delivering the social enterprise café and foodbank facilities as the Diocese of Bangor have recently appointed a new Rector of St Cybi Church. 

It was RESOLVED to :-

·         Note the progress in the delivery of the UK Government funded Programme for Holyhead;

·        Note the implementation of the UK Government funded Programme for Holyhead in line with UK Government guidance;

·         Recognise the on-going role of the Council in supporting the Programme’s Delivery Partners.

ACTION : As noted above