Decision details

In June 2023 Cabinet approved the programme of spend for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Thanet and the Head of Regeneration and Growth was authorised to agree appropriate contracts and spend in collaboration with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, in order to deliver the projects within the council's processes and procedures.

On 3 June 2024, Officers consulted with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property with regard to the proposed projects and spending as outlined below and raised no concerns.

Community and Place (E11)

Objectives: Set up a Community Champions Programme to support Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector leaders. Strengthen the VCSE network through sharing knowledge, ideas & best practice. Collaborate for most impact & reduce duplication.

Budget allocation £96,549

*transfer (£2,672) from Enrichment and Volunteering (E35) where the themes crossover.

Enrichment and Volunteering Activity (E35)

Objectives: Build community capacity to create volunteering opportunities within the most deprived areas. Provide engagement opportunities for enrichment, training and volunteering.

Budget allocation £73,374

The recent mapping of the voluntary sector, five ‘Big Ideas Conversation’ events and ongoing community engagement has clearly identified the support needed to build capacity, and what the priorities are for Community and Place (E11) and Enrichment and Volunteering Activity (E35).

The planned programme of activities and support, will deliver against the outputs and outcomes as identified in the UK Shared Prosperity Investment Plan approved by central government and Thanet District Council’s Cabinet.

The funding profile for delivery is covered by the allocated 2024/25 budget. Community and Place allocation: £96,549 and Enrichment and Volunteering allocation: £73,374. There is a small shortfall of £2,672 for the planned delivery for Community and Place. This can be covered by the small underspend in the Enrichment and Volunteering Allocation. This has been agreed with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Property as the themes overlap across these Interventions.

Following programme delivery, further information will be sent to the council/recorded as part of the monitoring process to help measure impact, outcomes and how the funding has contributed to increasing capacity in the VCSE sector.

• Alternative providers could be identified. This would mean that the council is not making use of the district’s existing key umbrella organisations as delivery partners. This could lead to a reduction in the quality of delivery and the level of support, as well as jeopardising expected outcomes and impact to the sector. This option was not recommended.

·  Do nothing - the project plan could be amended and find alternative delivery for Community and Place and Enrichment and Volunteering Activity outputs.This will lead to an underspend for the financial year that may then need to be returned to central government. This option was not recommended.