Attendees
Melanie Sealey (Chair), Keir Duffin, Iain Masters, Neil Blaney, Richard Marsh, Tim Child, Roger Clotworthy, Jasmine Jones, Jamie Hulland, Heather Hillman, Sarah Jane Mackenzie-shapland, Alex Lessware, Dominie Dunbrook, Andrew Wood, Dan James, Chris Fuller, Josie Gough, Chris Shears
Apologies
Adrian Welsh, David Bowcock, Neil Blaney
1. Heritage Lottery Partner bid decision
KD shared an overview of the National Heritage National lottery fund where there is a grant available from £250,000 to £1 million to improve access to nature and green spaces.
KD explained that there was an opportunity to develop a partnership bid which would be developed centrally by DCC on behalf of the Revitalising Devons Towns programme.
Chris Fuller asked the question of has a discussion taken place with the ND UNESCO Biosphere given that they have some major lottery funding to look at opportunities in our towns. Building on their work seems like a sensible approach- also picks up on Richard’s comments about having content ready to go.
KD agreed to make contact with ND UNESCO Biosphere.
2. Devolution Update
MS provided an update that Phil Adams is currently working on a secondment within DCC, focussing on SEND transformation.
MS updated on the Devolution funding and confirmed that the capital grant approvals are near completion
MS also updated that members have been recruited for a business advisory group, the first meeting has taken place, and a skills advisory group has now been set up.
MS confirmed currently there are 16 green-themed projects totalling £16million, under the headings of housing, skills, business and infrastructure.
Draft funding agreements have been sent out to partners.
One of the funds available will be the Green Impact fund, which is a capital grant scheme for local business and community organisations to help implement decarbonization measures, reducing energy use and lower carbon footprint, this will be managed by DCC.
MS explained that eligible organisations will be – private/public, voluntary organisations and charities and community organisations
JH identified that the spend deadline of March 2025 seems quite challenging
MS confirmed that current understanding is that we have flexibility on how we can run the programme but we can’t be flexible with the spending deadline.
There are things we can do to speed up payments.
MS will share the slides so partners can start working on this.
3. MHCLG update
JG confirmed there is a call for evidence within the Industrial statutory paper and she would encourage colleagues to respond to that consultation to ensure that we can advocate for significant clusters.
We are working with MCA’s and local growth plans, and they are being considered as part of the strategy.
4. UK Industrial Strategy
JE provided an update and explained that Devon have key strengths that could contribute to the national picture, clean energy and off shore wind. We also have defence, Plymouth being a significant Naval Base.
JE went on to highlight other things of potential national significance such as the climate science expertise in Exeter, which is the biggest in Europe and in terms of food security.
JE then went on to talk about what we are doing separately to respond to the consultation. We are currently looking for comments from partners and the Business Advisory Group.
5. AOB/Districts Update
No additional items were raised during the meeting.
Future Meeting Dates for 2025
- Wednesday 22 January
- Wednesday 30 April
- Wednesday 16 July
- Wednesday 22 October