Issue - meetings

A report was submitted which updated the Executive Board on the progress of the Levelling Up Partnership (LUP), a new Government initiative announced in March 2023.

Blackburn with Darwen was one of 25 places that secured LUP status with the prospect of securing £20M of new funding, subject to a jointly agreed Investment Plan with Government. Blackburn with Darwen’s award (of £20.3M) was formally announced by the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities at the Convention of the North on 1 March, 2024.

The report welcomed the agreed LUP package and requested the Executive Board to authorise the Strategic Director of Growth and Development and the Strategic Director for Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth and Development, to finalise the Council’s LUP funding package with Government, and draw-down agreed funding, aligned to the project priorities set out in this report.

Councillor John Slater did not vote on this item.

RESOLVED –

That the Executive Board:

i)               Welcomes and approves the Council’s LUP InvestmentProgramme, which has been jointly developed and agreed with Government, subject to final confirmation of funding arrangements; and

ii)              Authorises the Deputy Chief Executive/Strategic Director of Growth & Development and Strategic Director for Finance and Resource, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth & Development, to finalise the Council’s £20.3M LUP funding package with Government, and draw-down agreed funding, aligned to the project priorities set out in this report.

iii)            Approves an update to the Council’s Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2024/25 to reflect the proposed expenditure on the LUP Investment Programme projects; and

iv)             Note further reports on specific projects may be brought to the Executive Board, as required, to ensure consistency with Council procurement and financial regulations.