The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “H”) provides an update on the European funded programme called Community Led Development.

Recommended –

That the detail provided in Document “H” on the Keighley Community Led Local Development Programme and the investment that it will bring to the Keighley district be welcomed.

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “H”) provided an update on the European funded programme Community Led Local Development (CLLD).

It was explained that the programme’s aim was to develop employment and skills in the area.  Ideas from local organisations and residents would be utilised in the delivery of programmes aimed at people who where not currently accessing programmes to access employment and develop businesses.  

The Chair of the programme’s Local Action Group and a representative of Airedale Enterprise Services, the Local Action Group support team, addressed the meeting and responded to questions raised during the presentation of Document “H” as follows:-

·         The programme was split into two themes, one funded by the European Social Fund and the other by the European Regional Development Fund.  Bradford Council was the accountable body for the programme funding.

·         A commissioning process was progressing to secure organisations to delivery activities.  All activities would be registered on the Government’s YORtender Portal.  The tender process was open to all organisations for delivery but it was hoped that local organisations would bid.  All applications would be subject to an eligibility test and assessed by the office of the Keighley Area Co-ordinator and, prior to a decision being made would be assessed by the Local Action Group (LAG).  The LAG comprised of 15 members including the Keighley Area Committee Chair.

·         The commissioning process had to be placed on the Government portal, however, a lot of weight was given to local knowledge.  The tenders would be placed on the portal very shortly and would be open for six weeks.  Once applications were received they would be checked for eligibility and it was hoped that the tenders would be in place by October 2018.

·         Consultation had been undertaken with local businesses and the funding available for skill development, apprenticeships and premises had been promoted.  It was acknowledged that funding was required for business units in the area.  The programme was looking to address the fall in the number of SME’s (small, medium enterprises) in the area.   

·         On the foundation of CLLD an advertisement had been placed in the press inviting residents, businesses and community organisations to apply to become members of the LAG.  Membership was open to individuals and groups from the three local wards affected.  District Councillors had been invited to the launch of the programme and additional members for the LAG, particularly local residents, were still required.  The group comprised of a mixture of business people, residents and statutory and voluntary organisations.

·         The contracts would be monitored by Airedale Enterprise Services and the Council to ensure that outputs were met.

·         The funding must be utilised by 2022.

·         There were 12 planned activities and these were listed on the CLLD website.

·         Employment figures contained in Document “H” revealed a higher percentage of retail than national employment figures as the programmes target area included the Keighley Central Ward where traditionally more retail than other industries were located. The data presented was provided by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Members requested they be provided with a progress report in six months time. 

It was agreed that they would be informed of projects before they commenced and receive, via the Keighley Area Co-ordinator, a list  of members of the LAG.

Resolved –

1.    That the detail provided in Document “H” on the Keighley Community Led Local Development Programme and the investment that it will bring to the Keighley district be welcomed.

2.    That the Strategic Director, Place, be requested to bring a progress report, including the take up and outcomes of the Community Led Local Development programme, to the meeting in February 2019.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place