Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations for revenue project interventions and capital allocations were approved by the Committee.
summary: The decision involves reallocating funds for revenue project interventions and capital projects funded by UKSPF.
topline: The Committee has decided to approve recommendations for revenue project interventions and capital allocations funded by UKSPF.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves allocating public funds and prioritizing certain projects over others.
affected_stakeholders: ["Committee Members", "Managing Director", "Corporate Director", "Head of Planning & Economic Development"]
contentiousness_score: 5
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://committee.worcester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=255
Decision Maker:
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: The Committee considered a report on recommendations for revenue project interventions and allocations for UKSPF funding. The Managing Director presented the report and explained that the February 2025 Policy and Resources Committee had agreed proposals for revenue delivery at its meeting in February 2025. Within the agreed programme £84.5k was included for DWAS. This was no longer needed as a Household Support Fund allocation has been awarded and as such, this can now be reallocated. The report identified proposals for both capital projects and revenue allocations. As previously agreed by the Committee, consideration had been given to the continuation of existing UKSPF-funded projects, where a successful track record of delivery and value-for-money can be demonstrated. It was recommended that support be given to the following: Revenue (84.5k) • Skills Boost £25k • WCT £25k • Business Grants £34.5k Capital (£177,911) • Music Bus £80k • Comer Gardens £42k • Swan Theatre Lift Installation £50k In addition, it was recommended that the remaining £5,911 capital balance is retained for contingency purposes across the three capital projects. The Managing Director clarified that the recommendation was to delegate responsibility for allocation to the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance. The Managing Director responded to questions and comments from Committee Members. There was a question about the Music Bus allocation of £80k as this is a higher figure than the originally identified – is it to procure an electric vehicle? The Managing Director stated that he will investigate and provide a written reply. With reference to business grants, the Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee explained that this forms part of the Committee’s performance scorecard, and she asked if that Committee could be given some information on effectiveness of such grants as part of the performance reporting. The Managing Director advised that any of the previously agreed projects which were not being recommended as part of this proposal will be considered again should other funding opportunities arise. Committee Members expressed unanimous support for the proposals set out in the report. RESOLVED: That the Committee agree: 1. the recommendations for the remaining revenue project interventions and allocations for UKSPF funding, with responsibility for contracting projects delegated to the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance; and 2. the Committee review and agree the recommendations regarding the capital allocation, with responsibility for contracting the projects delegated to the Head of Planning & Economic Development.
Date of Decision: May 20, 2025