Decision details

This report requests authorisation to submit full funding applications under the European Structural and Investment Funds Plan for Liverpool City Region, and seeks approval for partnership, match funding and accountable body arrangements.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Inward Investment and Employment which provided details of the current applications for European Union Structural Funds and sought delegated authority to sign off full applications before the appropriate deadline.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the progress towards the submission of full applications for Ways to Work, Integrated Business Support, and FIT for the Future projects be noted;

(2)       the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills be granted authority to approve the full and final applications by the specified deadlines after taking advice of the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Regulation and Compliance as necessary prior to submission;

(3)       it be noted that if the FIT for the Future application was successful, then Sefton Council would be deemed to be accountable body for the project.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure full applications for European Union funding are not delayed or prevented, as application deadlines precede the next Cabinet.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not to apply for European Union funding would be to forego the benefits (financial, social, economic and environmental) associated with external funding. European Union funding would provide an essential component of the future funding of key elements of the council’s Investment and Employment Service from 2015 onwards, and would support the delivery of key objectives for prosperity and jobs.