Issue - decisions

1.              That the proposed strategy to exhaust the remaining ARG funding outlined in Section 5 of this report be approved.

2.              That Delegated Authority be granted to the Director of Revenues & Benefits to approve and process payments for businesses under the ARG scheme, where eligible businesses were not able to receive their mandatory grant scheme grant payments before the government’s national payment deadlines as set out in Section 5 of this report.

Reasons for Decision 

1.         The proposed strategy to ensure the existing ARG funding envelope is exhausted by the 30^th June is articulated below. The proposed approach seeks to provide the most appropriate method of administration and support for the types of business that the government has requested local authorities assist.  At the same time, there is a need to ensure the that City Council can demonstrate spend of the existing funding envelope by 30^th June.  This is a prerequisite to qualify for the next £9.1m top-up allocation.

2.         The proposed delegated authority for paying mandatory grant payments outside of the Government’s payment deadline under the ARG scheme, is in line with BEIS recommendations to Local Authorities and will ensure that businesses are not unfairly disadvantaged.