URL: https://wyre.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=821

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Lesley McKay, Resources Portfolio Holder, Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder and Marianne Hesketh, Director of Communities submitted a report to seek approval to allocate £1,000,000 of funding from the council’s Investment Projects Reserve for a second round of the Community Infrastructure Grant Programme to open for applications in summer 2026.   Councillor McKay introduced the item, highlighting the importance of working with the community and emphasising the value of putting reserves back out into the community to invest in residents.   Councillor Bowen praised the programme, noting that its aim was to reach communities across the entire borough.   Councillor Vincent responded to a series of questions from Councillor Fail regarding whether this represented the best use of Wyre’s reserves, whether there was any guarantee that Wyre?owned assets in need of repair would receive the necessary funding before the council became a unitary authority, and whether agreements could be put in place to prevent organisations from selling their assets in the coming years. He also queried whether alternative approaches could be considered to benefit the community.   Councillor Vincent confirmed that this was the best use of Wyre’s reserves, noting that these were community organisations serving local residents and contributing significantly to the borough. He added that there were guarantees built into the scheme, in addition to clawback provisions that the council could incorporate into agreements, although he noted that such provisions would not be appropriate in every case.   Regarding alternative approaches, Councillor Fail suggested the installation of new public toilets along the promenade at the Rossall Hospital exit. Councillor Vincent confirmed that this was an option the council would explore.   Councillor Vincent stated that this was a well?set?out and detailed plan for reinvesting the money that belongs to the people of Wyre, back into Wyre.   He confirmed that the council would not stop carrying out repairs and maintenance as a result of LGR, emphasising that essential work would continue as normal. He noted that the council had already invested significantly in the leisure centres and Marine Hall, and that further investment in the leisure centres was planned.   Decision   Cabinet agreed:   That approval is given to allocate up to £1,000,000 from the council’s Investment Projects Reserve for a second round of the Community Infrastructure Grant Programme for not-for-profit organisations located in Wyre and for this to be reflected in the Capital Programme for 2026/27.   That the Programme will deliver transformative and sustainable works to local community assets (sports hubs, community centres, village halls and heritage buildings) with the minimum application amount set at £20,000.

Date of Decision: June 3, 2026