Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which provided an update on the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns programme which seeks to target funding to 55 towns across England including Spennymoor. The report included details of the further guidance received in December 2023, together with the proposals for developing a Town Board and the development of a town plan(for copy of report see file of minutes).

Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships commented that the Governments identification of funding for Spennymoor as one of fifty five initial towns provided a welcome additional allocation of £20m to further enhance and embed the ongoing regeneration efforts in Spennymoor. The new funding would provide for significant and long lasting improvements and ensure that Spennymoor remained a vibrant town centre.

Councillor A Shield, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Equality and Inclusion commented that the long term plan for Spennymoor would address town centre issues, but would also focus on connectivity, accessibility and safety. The Council would be working with and listening to local people and looking to make investment to better people's lives, both now and in the future. The Board would include elected officials, residents, businesses and other stakeholders and provide an inclusive route through the development of a vision and investment plan to galvanise current efforts across the town and provide new opportunities for improvement and investment.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.