Decision

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval to accept a government grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for a ten-year period for the Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield area, and for the Council to act as the accountable body for the funding.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing declared a personal interest by virtue of his appointment to the Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield Neighbourhood Board. However, the Board was operating in a shadow capacity.

The Leader of the Council introduced the report.

The report author presented the report, and responded to questions and comments from Cabinet Members.

The Senior Officer advised that Rochdale Council was required to act as the accountable body for the Pride in Place funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield (Phase 2) had been identified to receive funding and support totalling up to £20 million over ten years to regenerate the town and neighbourhood.

Resolved:

1. That the membership of the Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield Neighbourhood Board appointed by the Council and Member of Parliament and in line with the MHCLG’s guidance be noted;
2. That it be agreed that the Council act as the secretariat to Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield Neighbourhood Board until the board are in a position to make alternative arrangements;
3. That the receipt of the MHCLG’s £19.6M funding over a ten year period for Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield be approved and for the Council to act as the accountable body for the funding;
4. That it be noted that Cabinet would receive annual update reports showing progress towards the objectives and outputs;
5. That it be noted that by the 30th of November 2026 the Hurstead, Smallbridge and Belfield Board is to submit a ten-year vision and a four-year Investment Plan with the interventions and powers the Neighbourhood Board wishes to use over the 4 years for each investment theme;
6. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing to approve the final ten-year vision and projects within the four-year Investment Plan;
7. That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Assistant Director, Legal, Governance & Coroner and with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Housing to enter into the funding arrangement and related agreements with MHCLG.

Reason for decision:

The receipt of the Long-Term Plan for Towns grant funding needs to be approved.

Alternatives considered and rejected:

Do Nothing: it is a condition of the funding that the Council acts as Accountable Body and provides an “assurance” function to assist MHCLG to make sure the money is spent appropriately.