Issue - meetings
Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025-26
Meeting: 21/05/2025 - Council (Item 12)
12 Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025-26 
PDF 557 KB
Purpose
To update Council on the award of Rural England Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, to seek approval for the approach to delivery of REPF projects in 2025/26 and to agree the necessary delegations.
Recommendation(s)
That Council resolves to:
1. AMEND the capital programme for 2025/26 to include the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) scheme capital budget of £229,240, which is fully funded from the 2025/26 REPF grant allocation.
2. APPROVE the provisional allocations as set out in para 3.1.
3. DELEGATE authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment and the Council’s Section 151 Officer to allocate the funding, having regard to the recommendations of the REPF Assessment Panel.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Tristan Wilkinson introduced the report and gave an update on the award of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for 2025-26, with a capital allocation of £229,240. It was outlined that the fund provided a valuable opportunity to support a range of small local organisations with relatively small grants, which made a significant difference to those groups. Approval of the proposed allocation process was requested as was delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Council Transformation, and the Council’s Section 151 Officer, to approve funding decisions based on recommendations from the REPF assessment panel.
It was noted that
- The capital programme would need to be amended to include the REPF allocation, which was fully government-funded.
- Demand exceeded available funds.
Councillor Tom Stowe expressed support for the scheme and sought clarification on the application window, noting concerns about the tight deadline for applications of 30 May 2025.
The challenging application process for local organisations was acknowledged and the Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that the existing deadline could be extended by a few weeks to allow broader participation and increase outreach.
Councillor Patrick Coleman enquired about the involvement of the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC), given their past role in the administration of related schemes. The Deputy Chief Executive explained that the current round would be administered internally due to the late timing of the allocation and the Council’s increased capacity.
The decision to manage the fund in-house, was welcomed and the opportunity for the Council’s support to be visibly acknowledged in the community was highlighted
There were no further comments or questions for clarity
The resolution was proposed by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
The Chair then moved to the vote on the recommendations in the report.
Voting Record:
29 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Meeting: 08/05/2025 - Cabinet (Item 98)
98 Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025/26 (REPF) Update PDF 559 KB
Purpose
To update Cabinet on the award of Rural England Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, to seek approval for the approach to delivery of REPF projects in 2025/26 and to agree the necessary delegations.
Recommendation
That Cabinet RECOMMENDS to Council to:
- Amend the capital programme for 2025/26 to include the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) scheme capital budget of £229,240 which is fully funded from the 2025/26 REPF grant allocation.
- Approve the provisional allocations as set out in para 3.1.
- Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment and the Council’s Section 151 Officer to allocate the funding, having regard to the recommendations of the REPF Assessment Panel.
Additional documents:
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on award of Rural England Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, to seek approval for the approach to delivery of REPF projects in 2025/26 and to agree the necessary delegations.
Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, introduced the item.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet recommend to Council to
- Amend the capital programme for 2025/26 to include the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) scheme capital budget of £229,240, which is fully funded from the 2025/26 REPF grant allocation.
- Approve the provisional allocations as set out in para 3.1.
- Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment and the Council’s Section 151 Officer to allocate the funding, having regard to the recommendations of the REPF Assessment Panel.
Voting Record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet on the award of Rural England Prosperity Funding for 2025/26, to seek approval for the approach to delivery of REPF projects in 2025/26 and to agree the necessary delegations.
Councillor Tristan Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, introduced the item and thanked the Economic Development Lead and their team. It was noted that the applications already received were of high quality, and the assessment process was praised as fair, transparent, and effective.
The funding, provided through a direct government grant, would enable the Council to support local charities and community groups aligned with its objectives. Although the latest funding was lower than in previous years, it still represented nearly £1 million over three years.
The impact of even small grants was considered significant, particularly as other funding sources had diminished. Emphasis was placed on due diligence and value for money in decision-making. A key caveat required all projects to be completed within the financial year, necessitating timely decisions.
Promotion of CDC branding on funded projects was encouraged to raise awareness of District Council investment.
It was confirmed that the funding would be split, with 20% allocated to improving health and wellbeing, and 20% to developing the visitor economy. It was clarified that "tackling homelessness" was incorporated under "health and wellbeing" in line with government terminology.
Timelines were clarified, and it was confirmed that the application form was ready for publication, pending Council approval on 21 May. Applications would be scored and assessed by the assessment panel, producing a shortlist, with final decisions made by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment.
Awareness of the scheme would be promoted via a press release, social media, the Council website, and the Business Matters newsletter. Strong interest in the funding had already been noted.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Tristan Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
RESOLVED that Cabinet recommend to Council to
- Amend the capital programme for 2025/26 to include the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) scheme capital budget of £229,240, which is fully funded from the 2025/26 REPF grant allocation.
- Approve the provisional allocations as set out in para 3.1.
- Delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment and the Council’s Section 151 Officer to allocate the funding, having regard to the recommendations of the REPF Assessment Panel.
Voting Record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.