To provide an update to Cabinet on the progress and forthcoming actions related to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme in Clacton-on-Sea, previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns. It seeks Cabinet approval to accept a further capacity funding allocation of £200,000 from central government. This funding is intended to support the Clacton Town Board in the development of a comprehensive regeneration plan for the town.

To also request Cabinet’s approval for the immediate allocation of a portion of this funding. Additionally, to seek Cabinet’s endorsement to delegate authority for approving future capacity funding expenditure, including a revision to the delegation previously agreed by Cabinet on 24th May 2024.

RESOLVED that –

(a)   the updates on the new Plan for Neighbourhood programme which replaces the Long Term Plan for Towns, and the ongoing role for Tendring District Council as the Accountable Body be noted;

(b)  the £200,000 Capacity payment (subject to the conditions on which the grant is made) for the Plan for Neighbourhoods, offered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, which is formally expected to be provided on 31 July 2025, be accepted;

(c)  the allocation of £450,000, as proposed by the Clacton Town Board, be approved; and

(d)  the Corporate Director (Place and Wellbeing) be authorised to approve variations of the Plan for Neighbourhoods (including Long Term Plan for Towns) capacity payments, upon receipt of minuted approval by the Clacton Town Board, and following consultation with the Council’s Section 151 Officer.

Cabinet considered a report of the Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism Portfolio Holder (A.6) which provided an update to it on the progress and forthcoming actions related to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme in Clacton-on-Sea, previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns. It also sought Cabinet’s approval to accept a further capacity funding allocation of £200,000 from central government (subject to the conditions on which such grant was made), in addition to the £250,000 received to date. This funding was intended to support the Clacton Town Board in the development of a comprehensive regeneration plan for the town.

The report further requested Cabinet’s approval for the allocation of this funding in line with the proposals from the Clacton Town Board. Additionally, it sought Cabinet’s endorsement to delegate authority for approving future amendments to the capacity funding expenditure, including a revision to the delegation previously agreed by Cabinet on 24^th May 2024.

Capacity Funding

Members were reminded that MHCLGwas providing an immediate capacity payment of £200,000 in Financial Year 2025/26 to support the development of the Regeneration Plan. This funding was intended to provide the Clacton Town Board with the resources needed to establish robust governance structures, strengthen their presence in the local community, and to build capacity and capability required to launch effectively in 2026/27. This was in addition to capacity funding already received. Although the payments were received during specific financial years, funding could be carried forward subject to programme requirements. The anticipated conditions on which the grant of £200,000 would be made were that it would be used in support of the delivery of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, that the latest branding guidance would be adhered to and that the Council would cease to use the Funded by UK Government logo if directed to do so.

Allocation of Existing and new Capacity Funding

Cabinet was informed that, at its meeting held on 20 March 2025, the Clacton Town Board had approved a budget for the use of both the existing capacity payment and the additional £200,000 capacity payment. A detailed breakdown of the budget, totalling £450,000 was set out within the background section of the Portfolio Holder’s report (A.6). This required approval from the Council, in its role as the accountable body.

Future Delegation

Cabinet was advised that, as the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Leader of the Council were both members of the Clacton Town Board it was proposed to delegate authority for any revisions to the budget lines to the Corporate Director (Place and Wellbeing). This would be conditional on approval by the Clacton Town Board, and with the previous caveat that prior consultation with the Section 151 Officer still applied.

Acknowledging that the Council was committed to building pride in the District, championing the local environment and regenerating the area; that the funding provided by Government under the Plan for Neighbourhoods would support the Council to implement its priorities in Clacton; that the Council had agreed in March 2024  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44