Purpose

To note progress with activity surrounding the
award of c. £20m to Thetford, and agree the required steps to
start the programme forward.

Decision

RESOLVED that:  
 

1)  
Cabinet noted the progress with securing £20m
of funding to support the Long-Term development of
Thetford.
 

2)  
Cabinet agrees to establish a new advisory Group to
the Council, the Thetford Town Board, based on the criteria and
framework set out in this report. 
 

3)  
Cabinet delegates to the Chief Executive, in
consultation with the Leader, the actions required to establish,
implement, and operate the Board and the Fund.
 

CABINET RECOMMEND to FULL COUNCIL:
 

4)    
That the Council accepts and agrees to spend all
funding awarded through the Long-Term Plan for Towns Funding
Programme for Thetford, and in doing so agrees to become an
accountable body for the funding.
 

Reasons for the decision

As set
out in section 1 of the report, this is a significant and
potentially ‘game changing’ award for Thetford, which
recognises both its potential and need. Accepting the funding and
starting the process of spending against a Long Term Plan for the
Town.
 

Alternative options considered

1)    
Do Nothing (not accept the funding or mobilise the
programme) – Not recommended given the rarity of funding
awards of this scale and the immense potential.

 
2)    
Accept the funding and progress –
recommended.