Background
On 20 December 2024, Cabinet accepted the Community Regeneration Partnership funding and commenced delivery. Prior to this, the programme was accepted into the Policy Framework by Full Council on 8 June 2024 and the principle of entering the Partnership approved by Cabinet on 26 July 2024. Subsequently, the funding has been received and a Memorandum of Understanding entered with MHCLG which includes TDC as the Accountable Body.
Reason
The additional fee is based on additional scope requirements, including in person attendance at 1:1 stakeholder consultation interviews and additional online and in-person meetings not allowed for within the original scope.
These additional items were considered requirements to ensure meaningful engagement not only with local stakeholders but with Portfolio Holders too.
Value for Money
They have demonstrated value for money of the fee to date, through the successful delivery of the project to date. They have undertaken a significant number of additional edits to the Final Report at no additional cost. Furthermore, this fee is utilising last year’s rates (making it extremely competitive) and TDC have already negotiated this fee down with the consultant.
The acceptance of this fee will ensure the project progresses in a meaningful way, as per the Council’s commitment to date and as set out in the Project Initiation Document.

To approve variation to the contract dated 23rd October 2025 between TDC and Publica Associates Limited (company number: 7225685). The additional fees are £2,557.91 (cost + 10% contingency, excluding VAT).
These additional fees result from additional scope requirements, including in person attendance at 1:1 stakeholder consultation interviews and additional online and in-person meetings not allowed for within the original scope.

The wider project will include works to provide improved amenities to residents of and visitors to the district and deliver improvements to the condition of existing public realm and open spaces owned by the Council, with a view to improving condition and managing the ongoing maintenance burden of such sites.