URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4622

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 5.   PROJECT FEASIBILITY FUND     5.1 The Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee considered a report of the Director of Economy, Skills and Culture which sought approval to amend the existing delegation agreed for the Project Feasibility Fund. The Committee was also asked to approve entering into Grant Funding Agreements for two successful Project Feasibility Fund applicants.     5.2 As agreed by Members, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Legal Services, the following wording was added to recommendation b): ‘and the Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee’ and the title ‘Director of Finance and Resources’ was amended as follows: ‘Director of Finance and Commercial Services’.     5.3 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee:-   a)    Approve the Officer recommendation for two PFF projects and grant award the agreed amounts to the organisations as per appendix 1 b)    Delegates authority to the Executive Director of City Futures in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee to approve any external grant agreements to the maximum threshold of £250,000 specifically for the purposes of the delivery of a Project Feasibility Fund project   5.4 Reasons for Decision     5.4.1 To enable the development of robust business cases for external investment, it is recommended that:   -       The Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee approve the Officer recommendation for two PFF projects and grant award the agreed amounts to the organisations, as per Appendix 1   Further, due to the time limited nature of external funding bids, and associated timelines for development which often do not correspond to Policy Committee meetings, it is recommended that:   -       The Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee delegates authority to the Executive Director of City Futures in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee, to approve any external grant agreements to the maximum threshold of £250,000 specifically for the purposes of the delivery of a Project Feasibility Fund project     5.5 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     5.5.1 Alternative Option 1: Do not award the grant   This would create a significant issue for both the organisation and stop the business case development work for both the organisation which would result in a delay or inability in applying for other funding.   5.5.2 Alternative Option 2: Do not delegate further grant approvals to Officers and retain this at Policy Committee       This is a viable option, but it could restrain the flexibility of the PPF fund to respond to external funding deadlines and pressures, and to ensure the timely development of projects. This may result in further extraordinary committees being required to take decisions outside of the committee meeting cycle. This may not be considered effective use of committee time, as projects have been scored and approved via an existing delegated process.  

Date of Decision: August 6, 2025