Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth and the Interim Corporate Director of Resources which provided Cabinet with an overview of the guidance and bidding requirements for access to the Levelling Up Fund and sought approval of the ongoing process for the Council to develop and prioritise potential proposals across County Durham.  The report also sought approval for the submission of one first round levelling up bid for the Bishop Auckland Parliamentary Constituency, covering projects for the South West Durham area (for copy see file of minutes).

In responding to a question from Councillor Yorke about the route of a proposed toft hill bypass and the traffic management difficulties this would potentially bring, Councillor Bell’s response included the history to the proposed route, the current position of the plans, and the reasons for this not being included in the immediate bid which is for the wider area. Councillor Shuttleworth advised of his recent discussions with the member.

Councillor Bell in responding to questions from Councillor Marshall advised that Cabinet would be submitting high quality levelling up submissions for each constituency at the earliest opportunity, and of the considerations that had been taken in submitting other bids in the next bidding round.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.