Rachael Allington
Minutes:
This item was agreed to follow directly on from the Town Investment Plan Update.
A presentation was shared for board members only.
Rachael Allington provided an update explaining the purpose of a project adjustment request (PAR) and which projects are being considered to be included in a potential PAR. Also detailing the potential timescales and potential impact on the outputs and timeframes of their respective projects.
Question from Antonio Jamasb: There have been a number of risks highlighted, how are these being tracked and how are decisions being made? Also raised concerns over the cost/benefit ratio being impacted by the potential PAR.
A discussion was held to further explain the funding implications of the PAR, how seeking to reapportion across projects to mitigate unsecured match funding and ensure all projects remain viable and able to be delivered.
The Chair expressed his disappointment in the level of Brownfield Housing Fund received from SYMCA, as the amount allocated as does not cover full amount requested for Project D. The Chair requested that this should be fed back to the SYMCA Mayors office. Rebecca Slack explained that the amount of funding is limited to a fixed amount per dwelling, which resulted in the funding that was awarded.
Councillor Coates thanked Antonio for his question but stated that the board temper the feedback to SYMCA as they are a key strategic partner and fund multiple projects across the borough.
It was agreed that the feedback would be given but in a constructive manner that sought to work with SYMCA on future funding opportunities.
Rachael Allington confirmed that BMBC is continuing to lobby SYMCA for assistance, but the PAR is another route to try and address the unsecured funding gap.
Rebecca Slack explained the developments to the Brownfields Funding and what is
happening around SYMCA internal discussions with the programme.
Matthew Stephens supports the PAR but feels that it should not be necessary.
Tim Coleman enquired about the 30% tolerance limit in place from DLUHC.
Justin Homer explained why this limit is in place and how it was designed to allow some element of flexibility for local authorities to manage delivery of projects without having to go through a formal appraisal process.
A discussion was held explaining that the chosen Towns Fund projects have been through a lengthy and robust Business Case approval and appraisal process and so it is unlikely that any new project business cases would be developed and appraised by DLUHC within the delivery timescales.
Councillor Coates Wishes to raise respect for amount of work went into original business
cases and supports the PAR to wire funding between agreed projects to ensure they can achieve their outputs.
Antonio Jamasb requested more information before the board endorsed the PAR.
Matthew Stephens requested a quick summary for new board members of what the housing projects entail.
Alison Dalton and Julie Tattershall provided this summary.
Rachael Allington advised that the decision required from board was to endorse the
approach to investigate a PAR, and that once the details of the proposed PAR have been worked through, the full PAR document will be circulated to board to confirm what is being requested from DLUHC.
Decision – the board endorsed pursuing the PAR options, with final information to be shared once finalised by BMBC.
Action: Full PAR to be circulated to board once approved by BMBC as Accountable Body.
Daniel Harper provided a summary of the key points people have raised and the benefits of this PAR.