URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4875

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 9.1 The Head of Programmes and Accountable Body presented a report which sought approval for the Council to act as Accountable Body for the 2026/27 Economic Programme transition programme. The report also set out a funding approach for the next year, in order to maintain a  core programme of activity in respect to business support, culture and tourism activity and skills/employment development which would serve the needs of the businesses and residents of the City and would retain existing staff, knowledge and skills to deliver such a programme.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee:   a)    Approve that Sheffield City Council act as Accountable Body for the 26/27 Sheffield Economic Programme for activity within Sheffield and South Yorkshire and is authorised to enter into funding agreements with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and/or Accountable Bodies appointed by SYMCA to accept grants associated with UKSPF as outlined in this report. b)    Approve the 2026/27 Sheffield Economic Programme as set out in section 2 of this report and delegates approval of any material changes to the Programme to the Director of Economy Skills and Culture in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Spokesperson of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee c)    Delegate authority to Director of Economy Skills and Culture or Director of Customer Experience & Communities (Communities element only) in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services to award grants of over £50,000 in value with external organisations as part of the Sheffield Economic Programme. d)    Delegate authority to the Director of Economy Skills and Culture in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to the Council entering into Partner Delivery Agreements with the other South Yorkshire Local Authorities for the Sheffield Economic Programme where the Council maintains its Accountable Body status and as directed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. e)    Approves the use of up to £1m Gainshare Revenue to contribute to the 26/27 Sheffield Economic Programme. f)      Approves the use of £145,000 of the Economic Programme Reserve to underwrite Year 2 of the Stocksbridge and Attercliffe project should no alternative funding be secured.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 This report provides Committee with a proposal to implement a Sheffield Economic Programme in 26/27 using funding to be provided via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Whilst there is a reduced allocation of funding from 25/26 consideration is being given to top up the Programme through a Gainshare application to SYMCA. This will enable the continuation of projects in respect to skills/employability, business support, culture/tourism and community development as well as the option to trail new activity in, what is considered, a transition year. The funding will also secure the employment of over 50 Council employees which will retain critical skills and knowledge.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do not become Accountable Body to progress with a 26/27 Economic Programme   Failure to act as the Accountable Body for Sheffield Economic Programme in 26/27 will mean that the Council will miss out of between £6m and £7m of external funding to support businesses and residents in respect to business support, skills and employability, culture/tourism development and community development. It will also cause significant reputational damage.     9.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Do not submit a Gainshare proposal to enhance the 26/27 Economic Programme   Failure to secure up to £1m Gainshare might compromise the ability to deliver elements of the Sheffield Economic Programme. It will also restrict the ability to test a number of new interventions that might become part of a new Economic Programme from April 2027 and therefore fail to deliver elements of the Growth Plan in the future.  

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026