Rhiannon Mort, Capital Programme Manager has confirmed attendance at the meeting.

The Vice-Chairman-in-the-chair introduced Rhiannon Mort, Capital Programme Manager for South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).  Ms Mort gave a presentation which included information on SELEP’s investment in projects in Swale, funding streams and future projects.

Members asked questions and made points which included:

·         Were there fewer projects in Kent, particularly in Swale, that had been allocated funding, compared to other areas of the South East?;

·         praise for the A2500 Lower Road, Minster scheme;

·         were there plans in place to retain those trained at the proposed Kent and Medway Medical school in the area, to benefit the local community?;

·         suggested investment in primary care facilities as GP Hubs lacked the space to retain trainees;

·         who decided on the allocation of funds for projects when a bid was submitted?;

·         how could Swale improve its chances of receiving funding?;

·         what was the future for funding after March 2021?;

·         there should be a focus on local growth so that there was less travel to work and less damage to the environment;

·         the infrastructure gap needed filling; and

·         support for the Digital Skills partnership as there was a shortage of IT skills.

In response, Ms Mort said that funding was fairly proportioned across areas, according to the population.  She said that SELEP could not influence the NHS to retain trained staff but there was evidence that the facility would benefit the local area and it was important to create places where people wanted to work, stay and continue to live.  In addressing the question of how to improve chances of receiving funding, Ms Mort explained that robust business cases, sometimes in conjunction with neighbouring authorities or related organisations could improve chances of receiving funding along with evidencing value for money, identifying clear priorities and deliverability of a scheme.

On the subject of the Lower Thames Crossing, Ms Mort said that the project would serve many purposes and provide connectivity to the north and south.  A Member highlighted the environmental impact and suggested that other forms of transport such as rail freight should be considered. 

The Economy and Community Services Manager explained that future funding was unknown as Central Government’s post-Brexit plans had been delayed with no announcements. Ms Mort said that some projects had not delivered as expected and other projects would receive funding instead.  She highlighted the ‘Growing Places’ fund which was a cycle of funding by re-investing using rental income.

The Economy and Community Services Manager detailed the process for submitting bids.  He explained that businesses cases for projects were put together in accordance with the administration’s priorities, in response to a call for bids.  There was a scoring system and projects were then prioritised.  He said there was a risk going forward that projects developed in advance of any announcements on future funding may not fit the Government’s funding requirements.

The Economy and Community Services Manager drew attention to the challenges and said that revenue was an issue, particularly in relation to the Further Education funding model.

The Vice-Chairman-in-the-chair thanked Ms Mort for her presentation and attendance at the meeting which was met with a round of applause from the Committee.