Cabinet Member for Regeneration

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Housing, Economy and Community Services and the above Cabinet Member, which sought to gain approval for entering into the Grant Determination Agreement (GDA) with Homes England, to enable Swale to receive the funds and allocate staff resources to administer the funds in-line with the GDA’s requirements.

The Cabinet Member proposed the recommendations.

A Member questioned the need for a consultant, the cost, and whether the Council could carry out this work.  In response, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration explained that Homes England were a unique organisation and they felt more assured when consultants were appointed.  He added that the Regeneration Team was a small team.  He was unaware of the cost at the present time.

Resolved:

(1)       That the Director of Regeneration and the Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, be given delegated authority to enter into the Homes England Grant Determination Agreement to provide £3.5 million HIF funding to support the Queenborough and Rushenden regeneration scheme, and staff resources allocated to administer the funds in-line with requirements.

(2)       That the Director of Regeneration and the Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, be given delegated authority to make a direct award to a consultation on the Homes England framework to produce the tender specification documents and manage the procurement of the contractors required to deliver the works included within the HIF spend profile, plus the subsequent contract delivery project management.