The Cabinet has decided to approve the continuation of shopfront enhancement schemes for the district's main towns with increased funding and grant contribution.

URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1427

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet had before it a report * from the Strategic Manager for Growth, Economy & Delivery seeking approval for the continuation of shopfront enhancements for the districts three main towns with seed funding of £24,000 and that the level of grant offered be increased from 50% to 70%.   The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:    It was reported that the grant scheme had operated successfully for several years, providing property owners and shopkeepers with funding for minor repairs and improvements to shopfronts. Approximately 10 properties per year had benefited from the scheme, contributing to the upkeep and visual appeal of the district’s high streets and town centres. It was noted that the scheme had closed in each of the district’s three towns. The Economy and Assets Policy Development Group (PDG) had supported the continuation of the initiative and proposed reopening the schemes. It was recognised that retailers were facing challenging economic conditions and often struggled to invest in property maintenance. The PDG had proposed increasing the grant contribution from 50% to 70% to enable more businesses to access the scheme and improve their premises.   Discussion took with regards to:   Whether the proposed £24,000 funding allocation would be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on supporting high streets, given the significant pressures facing town centre businesses? It was explained that the proposed funding reflected previous levels of investment and had historically been successful in attracting additional funding. While demand could vary, it was considered sufficient to support the scheme and was expected to provide funding for approximately the next two years. It was noted that some shopkeepers had previously found the requirement to obtain three quotes had been a barrier to accessing the scheme. It was suggested that greater promotion of the more flexible approach now being taken could help increase participation in the grant scheme. Cullompton appeared to have a higher-than-average vacancy rate, and a question was raised as to whether the grant scheme created opportunities to engage with property owners. It was explained that yes this was already underway. It was suggested that these conversations could help the Council explore additional ways to encourage the occupation and rental of vacant properties, beyond improving shopfronts.   RESOLVED that:   Approval was given for the continuation of shopfront enhancement schemes for each of the three main market towns in the district with seed fund totalling £24,000.   The level of grant offered by the scheme to increase from 50% to 70%.   As recommended by the Economy Policy Development Group.   (Proposed by Cllr S Keable and seconded by Cllr G DuChesne)   Reason for Decision: The Shopfront Enhancement Scheme supported the corporate priority for economy and assets, in particular: ‘regenerating our town centres’.    Note: *Report previously circulated  

Date of Decision: July 7, 2026