Purpose

Rural England Prosperity Grant Fund Programme

Decision

Following an application process and Panel meeting on 13 November, the allocation of Rural England Prosperity Capital Grants was awarded as follows:

·         Foxglove, Thetford – Sensory Room (£5,000)

Reasons for the decision

Breckland has received an allocation of £312,473 Capital spend, from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), which must be utilised by the end of the fiscal year 2025-26.

Breckland is the official entity responsible for managing this funding, ensuring compliance with guidelines, and overseeing the satisfactory delivery of services by any contracted partners. In line with DEFRA's guidance, Breckland’s plan for spending this allocation will be as a Grants scheme, focussed on support for local businesses and communities.

This Programme is a continuation of the REPF funding commencing from 2022, and the approach subsequently approved by Cabinet on 21 November 2022.

Alternative options considered

·         To approve the funding

·         Not approve the funding