Decision Made (Unanimously):

1.    That Cabinet approves the Terms of Reference for the Member Working Group as outlined in paragraph 13 of the report.

2.    Cabinet notes and agrees to the following requests of the Member Working Group:

·         Ensure that all business grant payments are maximised before the grant scheme closes and that the amount of unused funds is either nil or minimised

·         Prioritise support for businesses and employees with regards to mental health support as part of the South Ribble Together Community Hub

·         Ensure funding is directed to our high streets, borough wide to support local businesses, market the centres, provide advice to businesses and increase footfall

·         Consider measures to address concerns raised surrounding business cash flow beyond the current regimes – a dedicated financial response to support local businesses needs to be established

·         Approve in principal, a temporary increase of resource in the Investment and Skills team to provide a focused period of business support for the next 18 months

·         Recognises the support provided by the Council and Government

3.    Cabinet agrees to lobby the Lancashire Economic Partnership, the local MP’s and relevant Government departments for funding to provide longer term support for businesses in the borough, especially in the context of the economic impact not yet being fully felt.