Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: April 17, 2025

Purpose: To seek Cabinet approval to accept the Rochdale allocation for 25-26 and agree the list of projects to be delivered

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy and Place, which sought approval to accept and spend the Flexible Local Authority Grants for 2025/26.   The Town Funds Manager was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Cabinet Members.   The Officer informed that the Flexible Local Authority Grants had replaced the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Scheme which had ran between 2022 and 2025. Rochdale would be set to receive £1,264,521.06 for 2025-26 in the form of a revenue grant, some of which could be changed to capital grant.   The grants were part of the Greater Manchester (GM) Integrated Settlement – an agreement between Greater Manchester Combined Authority and central government which consolidated funding across more than 20 different funding streams covering housing, regeneration, local growth, local transport, adult skills, retrofit, and employment support. Rochdale Borough Council was required to act as accountable body for the Flexible Grant programme.   Resolved: That the £1,264,521.06 funding for 2025/26 be accepted and it be agreed for the Council to act as the accountable body for the funding; That delegated authority be given to the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder to spend the grant as per the project list outlined in the report; That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Legal, Governance and Coroners to enter into relevant agreements for receipt of the Local Authority Flexible Grant.   Reason for decision: The Flexible Grant programme was a government regeneration initiative administered through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and was part of the Integrated Settlement. Acceptance of the grant funding would enable the council to progress key projects (See Project List at section 5.5 of the report). The grant funding would need to be formally accepted by the council.   Alternatives considered and rejected: Do nothing. Failure to sign the grant agreement and accept the funding would mean losing out on the £1.2m funding. It was a condition of the funding that the council acted as Accountable Body and provided an “assurance” function to assist Greater Manchester Combined Authority to make sure the money was spent appropriately.