Issue - items at meetings - LABGI

Report of the Director of Culture & Enterprise (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet agrees the proposed list of projects for funding attached at Appendix 1.

98.1         The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment concerning allocation of the Council’s Local Authority Business Growth Incentive (LABGI) funding for 2009/10 (for copy see minute book).

98.2         Councillor Mitchell welcomed the initiatives except proposals to award £5,000 to fund free parking for specific events.

98.3         Councillor Kitcat echoed Councillor Mitchell’s remarks concerning proposed free parking and questioned the council’s sustainability credentials in relation to the proposal.

98.4         In response to a question from Councillor Mitchell, Councillor Kemble reported that the Council had succeeded in its bid for Futures Jobs funding. He added that free parking had been proposed to encourage businesses to stay open during the White Nights Festival and bring residents into the city.

98.5         Councillor Simson added that the proposal would allow those residents from the outer areas of the city not comfortable with using public transport late at night to enjoy the festival.

98.6         In response to a query from Councillor Kitcat the Chairman explained that all the LAGBI projects were linked to the recession and that it would be important to encourage local businesses to retain staff after the Christmas period; the contribution to free parking would therefore apply to both the White Nights Festival and Boxing Day.

98.7         Councillor Theobald added that £5,000 would only be small contribution to the total cost that the Council would be funding.

98.8         Councillor Watkins requested for the proposed free parking on Boxing Day to apply to all the retail centres within the city, not only central Brighton.

98.9         RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That the proposed list of projects for LABGI funding be agreed.