Decision details

To agree the Council’s approach in allocating the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the appropriate programme parameters

The Cabinet report set out details of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), which was announced by DEFRA in September 2022.

The REPF was a new capital fund from DEFRA and was a ‘top-up’ to the UKSPF. It was part of the succession from the EU funded LEADER and Growth Programmes, which were part of the Rural Development Programme for England and hugely successful in Buckinghamshire with over 50 businesses supported.

The Council submitted its Addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Investment Plan in November 2022. DEFRA had now approved the addendum and Buckinghamshire Council had been awarded £1.8m to deliver the Rural England Prosperity Fund Capital Grants programme over two financial years up to 31st March 2025.

The Cabinet report proposed the delivery approach and governance needed by the Council to ensure high quality delivery and value for money that would support growth for rural businesses and support a vibrant Buckinghamshire rural economy. A suggestion was made to provide maps to ward members to indicate which rural areas could apply for grant funding.

RESOLVED -

1)      That the programme eligibility and parameters for businesses applying for a Grant be AGREED.

2)      That the Buckinghamshire Rural Business Grants Fund be included in the Council’s capital programme. 

3)      That a new funding panel be formed to guide the review process of eligible grant applications. 

4)      That the awarding of grants be delegated to the Economic Growth and Regeneration Service Director, in consultation with the Leader and S151 Officer.