Decision details

The Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration), Councillor Bill Evans, presented the confidential report of the Director of Commercial. 

The report provided an update on the latest position of the Business Cases related to Leyland Town Deal and noted the pressing pre-delivery programme associated for Leyland Town Deal Funding and the required Business Case submissions for the project of 24 March 2022.

Members debated the proposals and noted this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Complex negotiations were ongoing and thanks was given to the officers involved and the Town Board.

The risk and governance arrangements, acquisition of land, the financing of the different elements were discussed.  Regular updates would be provided to members as the Town Deal progresses and individual procurements would be considered by the Executive.

Councillors Paul Foster, David Shaw, Phil Smith, Alan Ogilvie, Caroline Moon, Ange Turner and Michael Titherington contributed to the debate.  

It was proposed by the Cabinet Member Planning, Business Support and Regeneration, Councillor Bill Evans, seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To approve the funds allocation from the Council to deliver the Leyland Town Deal Scheme as set out at Table 4.

2.         To approve a further budget of £32,104,973 to deliver the Leyland Town Deal scheme to take the total overall budget including grant and match funding to £38,001,937. The breakdown of the funding is detailed in Table 4.

3.         To acknowledge that whilst the funds allocation does require some borrowing by SRBC to deliver the scheme, it is intended that further future CIL receipts or other funding opportunities would be used to offset any borrowing.

4.         To approve a commitment to delivery of the scheme through the submission of the business case.

5.         To acknowledge that an update on the funding profile / opportunities and further details on the revenue model will be brought to Members as the scheme progresses.

6.         To acknowledge that the scheme put forward has been approved by the town Deal Board and that the public realm works will be phased and delivered last in the programme to identify options for changes in the scope that align with the financial commitment of the Council,

7.         To acknowledge that the business case will be approved by the Leader, Section 151 Officer and Town Deal Chair prior to submission.

8.         To delegate to the Director of Finance to investigate and action as appropriate options around ‘Opting to Tax’ on the relevant properties to ensure the Council remains within VAT exemption limits.