Agenda item - ERDF Business Support Programme

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

That Committee:

1)           Approves the proposal for the Council to manage the £2.865 million business grants fund which forms one element of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Business Support Programme led by the University of Chichester.

2)           Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Economy Environment and Culture to enter into the agreements necessary to put the recommendation set out in 2.1 into effect, including:

(i)            A grant management agreement with the University of Chichester; and;

(ii)          Grant agreements with the recipients of the business grant fund.

3)           Notes the delayed start to the ERDF Business Support Programme and agrees that the Council’s match funding contribution of £90,000 will now be made from 2019/ 2020 to 2021/2022.

16.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that proposed an additional ole for the Council in helping to manage the business grants element of the ERDF Business Support Programme on behalf of the lead partner, the University of Chichester.

16.2      Councillor Druitt noted that the project was one example of the many benefits of membership of the EU. Councillor Druitt asked what would happen to the funding should the UK leave the EU in October 2019 as planned.

16.3      The Economic Business Development Manager clarified that the government had given a commitment that the project would be funded for its duration regardless of exiting the EU.

16.4      RESOLVED- That Committee:

1)           Approves the proposal for the Council to manage the £2.865 million business grants fund which forms one element of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Business Support Programme led by the University of Chichester.

2)           Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Economy Environment and Culture to enter into the agreements necessary to put the recommendation set out in 2.1 into effect, including:

(i)            A grant management agreement with the University of Chichester; and;

(ii)          Grant agreements with the recipients of the business grant fund.

3)           Notes the delayed start to the ERDF Business Support Programme and agrees that the Council’s match funding contribution of £90,000 will now be made from 2019/ 2020 to 2021/2022.