Decision details

The purpose of the report is to ask Cabinet to:-

Note a Sefton appraisal of the LCRLEP Investment Strategy, which is due to be submitted to Government at the end of September and to formally approve the LCRLEP Investment Strategy. This Investment Strategy is particularly important in relation to the focus of future funding directed to the LCRLEP, including European Union structural funds over the next 6 years.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Built Environment which provided details ofthe final version of the European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy 2014-20 for the Liverpool City Region, and sought approval to the next steps with regard to the commissioning, investment and delivery of the Strategy.

Cabinet Members referred to the action being taken by Rotherham Borough Council (on behalf of Sheffield and Liverpool city regions) in taking the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to Judicial Review on the grounds that he misallocated the UK’s EU funding to former Objective 1 regions. The allocation to Liverpool City Region is 40% below what was received in 2007-13, well below expectations. The Chief Executive reported that the hearing was concluded in late January 2014 and Members would be advised of the outcome as soon as it is made available and the implications per head of population in Sefton if the allocation remains the same.

Decision Made:

That:

(1)       the European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy 2014-20 for the Liverpool City Region be endorsed; and

(2)       the Director of Built Environment be requested to assess Sefton’s readiness to deliver the new programme, and identify appropriate projects for consideration under the EU programme.

Reasons for Decision:

To inform the Cabinet of the funding opportunites presented by the £190 million spending programme for Liverpool City Region.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.