Purpose

On 20 December 2024, Cabinet accepted
the
Community Regeneration Partnership funding and
commenced delivery. Prior to this, the programme was accepted into
the Policy Framework by Full Council on 8 June 2024 and the
principle of entering the Partnership approved by Cabinet on 26
July 2024.
Subsequently, the funding has been received and a
Memorandum of Understanding entered with MHCLG
which includes TDC as the Accountable Body. The
funding period lasts until 31 March 2026.
The continuation of this service is essential to ensure the project
progresses through to delivery. The grant scheme has seen strong
take-up and is at capacity, with grants assessed by officers under
the grant criteria previously approved by the Portfolio
Holder.
Retail Design Solutions is currently assisting the majority of
shopfront grant applicants in obtaining the planning permission
required to carry out the approved works. Whilst this process will
not be completed for all applications by 31 March 2026. In line
with Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
guidance, project work can continue beyond this date provided a
substantial start and commitment can be demonstrated. A future
report is to be presented to Cabinet evidencing how this has been
achieved on each project across the programme. In the matter this
decision relates to, the continued services of the consultant will
support applicants who have been approved under the grant criteria
to deliver the funding, thereby delivering on the Council’s
commitment, by facilitating necessary consents.
All payments to Retail Design Solutions for CRP2 Shopfront
Improvement Grants will be drawn from the CRP2 funding already
agreed and allocated to this grant scheme.
This extension relates to Retail Designs Solutions continuing to
complete planning applications and associated tasks, supporting
applicants of the Shopfront Improvement Grant schemes under both
the UKSPF and Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP2) in
obtaining the necessary planning permissions for grant
approval

Content

To exercise the right under clause 3 of the
contract with Retail Design Solutions to extend the contractual
term by one year, so that it now expires on 31 March 2027, no
financial uplift to the original contract.

Alternative options considered

The appointment duration concludes prior to
the timescales of Local Government Reorganisation. Reassignment
terms are incorporated within the Council’s standard terms of
appointment, which allows for the appointment to be transferred to
a future authority, if required.