Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 26, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Salford City Council - Record of Decision (Cabinet)   I Paul Dennett, City Mayor, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution do hereby approve: Acceptance of Nature Towns and Cities grant for the Community Greenways Project. The Reasons are: Accepting the Community Greenways grant will enable us to deliver a transformational network of safe, attractive green routes that connect people, places, and nature. The project aligns with national and local priorities on climate action, active travel, and biodiversity, while tackling health inequalities and social isolation. It will create long-term economic, environmental, and community benefits through high-quality infrastructure, habitat enhancement, and strong local partnerships. This investment represents excellent value for money and will leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Options considered and rejected were: Alternative approaches were considered but rejected in favour of the Community Greenways project. Doing nothing would forfeit funding and fail to address climate, biodiversity, and health priorities. Smaller-scale or single-site improvements, phased delivery, and relying solely on council budgets were all discounted as they would limit connectivity, accessibility, impact, or value for money. Delivered in partnership with Manchester City Council and the voluntary sector, the proposed project offers the most effective, inclusive, and sustainable solution. Assessment of Risk: The Community Greenways project carries moderate and manageable risks. Financial risks are limited as the funding covers revenue costs only, but careful budget monitoring will ensure resources are used effectively. Delivery risks, including scheduling and coordination with partners, will be managed through clear governance and regular progress reviews. Strong partnerships with Manchester City Council and the voluntary sector, alongside ongoing community engagement, will ensure smooth delivery and long-term sustainability of the project’s activities and benefits. The source of funding is: National Lottery heritage Fund Legal Advice obtained: Supplied By : The Shared Legal Service (Tony Hatton) Date: 25/07/2025 Legal shall be happy to advise on the formal partnership agreement between the parties, and on the National Lottery Heritage Fund Nature Towns and Cities programme grant funding agreement for £999,476 if requested. As described in the report the grant funding is made to both Salford City Council and Manchester City Council, and Salford will act as the lead authority and accountable body for the funding, and the formal partnership agreement will set out governance, joint delivery and oversight of the Community Greenways programme. As always, it is important that the Council complies with the terms of the grant funding agreement (in particular ensuring that the fund is only used for eligible expenditure and any timescales around expenditure and reporting) are adhered to, failing which the Council may be at risk of the National Lottery seeking clawback of the funding for failure to comply. The report refers to the grant funding supporting eight new roles (four in each council) and enabling a programme of commissioned micro-projects with specialist partner organisations. Any commissioning of consultants or other services should be compliant with public procurement legislation and the Council’s own Contractual Standing Orders (CSOs), failing which a contract may be subject to legal challenge from an aggrieved provider. As Salford City Council is the accountable body for the funding, in terms of approvals, the Constitution sets out that:  “The following matters are reserved for decision by the City Mayor:   5.  Agreeing to the Council becoming the Accountable Body for any award of grant aid from an external funder to the Council or to a third party where:- (i) the grant aid to be received by the Council is anticipated to be £350,000k or over; or (ii) the grant aid to be received by the third party is anticipated to be £350,000k or over.”   The report confirms that the amount of the grant is £966,476, it would therefore appear that the decision to agree to the Council becoming the Accountable Body for receipt of the grant from the National Lottery is reserved to the City Mayor (in this instance in conjunction with Cabinet).   Financial Advice obtained: Supplied By : Ethan Bestwick, Senior Accountant Date: 28/07/2025   There will be no direct financial contribution required from Salford City Council, either through capital investment or matched funding, aside from the indirect costs associated with managing the four funded posts. These costs are expected to be minimal and insignificant. SCC will act as the accountable body and hold the entirety of the grant funding on behalf of Manchester City Council. Provided the project is delivered in line with the plans set out in previous reports, the financial risk to SCC is very small.    Procurement Advice obtained: Dan Cunliffe, Category Manager Date: 29/07/2025 There are no procurement implications associated with the acceptance of grant funding. Should procurement activity be required in relation to the funding, the Procurement Team will provide appropriate guidance and support.   HR Advice obtained: N/A   Climate Change Advice obtained: Mike Hemmingway Date: 24/07/2025 Community Greenways project is a three-year initiative designed to enhance green and blue spaces within local communities, promote environmental sustainability, and support active lifestyles.   It will leave a legacy that will provide a positive climate impact on the city of: A strategic framework for future green infrastructure investment. A network of trained community leaders and volunteers. Sustainable models for financing nature recovery.   The following documents have been used to assist the decision process: Report of the Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety. Contact Officer:  Jo Regan                     The appropriate scrutiny to call-in the decision is the Overview and Scrutiny Board.                       Signed:    Paul Dennett                                       Dated:   26.08.25                                                                            City Mayor   For Democratic Services use only   This decision was published on 29.08.25                                            This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 05.09.25                                                   unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.