Previous reference:  Minute 18 (2018/2019)

The Strategic Director, Place, will present a report, (Document “C”) which provides an update on the European Funded Programme, called Community Led Local Development, in Keighley.

Recommended –

That the detail provided in Document “C” and the investment brought to Keighley from the Local Led Development programme be welcomed.

(Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

The Strategic Director, Place, presented a report, (Document “C”) which provided an update on the European Funded Programme, called Community Led Local Development, in Keighley.

It was explained that the issue had been discussed in July 2018 where it had been requested that the Strategic Director, Place, provide a progress report, including the take up and outcomes of the Community Led Local Development programme, to the Committee.  Document “C” provided that update.

Members were reminded that the programme consisted of 12 activities split into two themes, one of which was funded by the European Social Fund (ERF) and the other by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  Under the ESF strand support would be given to 600 local people including 377 unemployed (including long-term unemployed), 223 economically inactive, 200 over 50 years of age, 200 from ethnic minorities and 118 with disabilities (including mental health issues). 155 people would be assisted into education or training, 85 people into employment (including self-employment) and at least 120 inactive people into employment or job search.

Under the ERDF strand 100 enterprises would receive support (of which 75 would be new enterprises), 100 new jobs would be created (including start-ups) and 75 potential entrepreneurs would be assisted to be enterprise ready.

The 12 numbered activities/projects were outlined in Document “C”.  It was reported that 45% of the projects had been fully funded with another seven in need of local support before they could move forward .

One of the four projects funded by the ESF element of the programme was Keighley College improving low level skills and developing pathways to bring people back into work.

It was explained that the ERDF element had proved more difficult to award and the remaining procurement activity had been halted to allow for a process review to be carried out.  To assist that review feedback had been sought from potential applicant organisations.  The responses received indicated that the main barrier to applicants was the level of match funding required which had decreased in recent times as a result of the decline in the UK economy.  Volunteer time could not be used as part of the match funding for the ESF funding.  Activities to assist in supporting applications were on-going and included exploring interest from larger organisations in a wider geographic area, to potentially assist with match funding and to partner smaller local groups; sharing best practice and problem solving with other Yorkshire based CLLD areas; seeking additional funding from regional and national sources and exploring broader political support.

It was explained that although Bradford Council had helped to top up the scheme by £250,000 and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business Rate Pool had provided a further £250,000, further investment from business was still required.

A Member expressed frustration that there were groups of people in the area who could not access the fund because of the match funding criteria and the fact that this was a nationwide issue suggested that the funding criteria maybe flawed.   In response it was confirmed that the issue had been addressed with the ERDF.

The potential to access match funding through the green economy was discussed and it was acknowledged that measures such as energy reduction or solar panels may be utilised as match funding.

It was questioned what was meant by the term ‘explore broader political support’ to assist future applications and it was explained that it was the exploration of further central  government and regional funding to supplement what had already been provided by Bradford Council.

Examples of the support which could be provided through the programme were requested and it was explained that small business could receive start up grants.  As the project was just commencing it was difficult to provide specific examples.  .  Examples of what applicants had outlined in the application process could be provided but examples of what had been achieved would take longer to demonstrate.

The provision of good quality accommodation space was suggested to support local businesses and in response to questions it was explained that this may be provided through matching space to businesses providing services which did not exist at the current time.  Upfront rental costs could be a barrier and assistance could be provided to help applicants to access funds.

A Member raised concerns about the shortage of small business start-up units in the Keighley area.  In response and it was explained that contracts would be provided to sign post groups to available funding for accommodation and to get people together. The groups to which tenders were awarded would be responsible for those actions rather than the Local Action Group.

The support from the Business Improvement District was queried and it was confirmed that conversations had taken place with the BID, however, no support had been received as the BID did not have the authorisation to support issues not in its original specification. 

In response to requests for information about the impact on the three wards involved in the programme and mechanisms to assist with match funding it was confirmed that an annual report would be provided and it would be possible to include more detail in the next report presented.

Aspirations for larger companies to provide accommodation or employees to assist the development of small businesses were discussed.

Resolved –

1.    That the detail provided in Document “C” and the investment brought to Keighley from the Community Led Local Development programme be welcomed.

2.    That the Strategic Director, Place, be requested to provide a progress report in 12 months time including the impact that the Community Led Local Development  Programme has made on the area.

Action: Strategic Director, Place