Decision details

The purpose of this report is:

1)     To seek approval to implement the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund in accordance with the latest Government guidance;

2)     To establish by virement a Business Grants budget of £17.914m to be funded by Government Grant;

3)     To delegate to the Director responsible for Revenues Services the authority to determine the eligible grants in accordance with the government guidance for the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund in the Boroughof Gedling.

To approve:

1)     The implementation of the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund in accordance with the latest Government guidance as updated from time to time;

2)     The establishment, by virement, of a Business Grants budget of £17.914m to be funded by Government Grant;

3)     That the determination of eligible grants in accordance with the government guidance is delegated to the Director responsible for Revenues Services.

4)     That a monthly update report on the progress of this scheme be provided to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council

The Council is expected by Government to award grants in line with the guidance it has published.

To ensure the timely award of the grants, efficient decision making and to avoid the Executive from becoming overwhelmed by applications, it is appropriate that this function is delegated to Officers.

An alternative to the proposal would be to report each grant case to the Leader for his determination in accordance with the guidance. Currently this would mean that the Leader would have to consider approximately 1320 applications. This would place an unnecessary burden on the Executive and may not ensure the timely award of the grants.