Agenda item

7.1

This report proposed that the Co-operative Executive endorse Phase 1 of the Recovery Delivery Programme, to deliver against the Business Recovery Plan agreed by Cabinet in Oct 2020.

There are multiple funding sources identified against the delivery programme, which have been subject to separate decisions, and have established appropriate delegations. As such, this report was seeking endorsement and approval from the Co-operative Executive for the suite of activities outlined.

7.2

RESOLVED: That Cooperative Executive:-

1. Support the proposal to create a ‘Summer in The Outdoor City’ city-wide visitor campaign; to deliver a large-scale programme of events during the summer across the city centre; and to showcase community and district centre events and partner activities that help to generate footfall and visitors through the summer months;

2. On the recommendation of the Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group, endorse the first wave of projects to be taken forward for development, through the £2m Economic Recovery Fund. This includes 6 projects to support the recovery of District Centres, bringing back footfall and investing in the regeneration of the local high street, and a further 6 projects focused on animating the city centre to support the delivery of the Summer in The Outdoor City proposal;

3. Approve that the Member led Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group will now be chaired by Cllr Paul Turpin, as Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Jobs and Skills (responsible for District Centres) and that Cllr Julie Grocutt, as Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Community Engagement and Governance (responsible for Covid response and recovery) will be invited to join the steering group;

4. Approve the proposed activity to be funded from the Welcome Back Fund, including the continuation of the district centre Business Information Officers who are supporting businesses to be Covid secure; helping high street businesses get online; and the delivery of the marketing and communications campaign to support reopening;

5. Harness Sheffield City Council’s local Additional Restrictions Grant to support the delivery of the Summer in the Outdoor City Proposal, and to work with the Business Response Group to identify a further set of projects which would: kick start the green recovery, accelerate start-ups; and further support the growth aspirations of SMEs with appropriate grant programmes to deliver more investment and jobs in Sheffield;

6. To note the associated Co-operative Executive Report to accept the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) grant for the £2.3m Low Carbon Business Support project that will operate until 30^th June 2023 and is part of this Recovery Delivery Programme;

7.    Agree that the Director of Finance and Commercial Services will work with the Head of Service for Economic Strategy and Commissioning on this delivery programme to ensure the most effective use of funds. This will be done with respect to any legal requirements and the eligibility and delegations set out for each funding stream; and

8.              Note, with thanks, the ongoing contribution from the Business Response Group in the development and delivery of the Business Recovery Plan.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The COVID pandemic has presented a number of challenges for businesses and the economy which, if not addressed, could lead to long term issues in terms for employment, business and wages with knock-on impacts on health inequalities and people’s wellbeing.

The Sheffield COVID Business Recovery Plan set out the priorities for the city in addressing these issues and creates a framework for the Council to work alongside the business community to support the city’s recovery, protecting jobs and businesses.

The activities in the report demonstrates delivery against the BRP framework and enables critical projects to progress as Phase 1 of the city’s Recovery Delivery Programme.

The activities outlined in this report have been developed following advice and discussion with Public Health colleagues and ensure an appropriate balance between reopening the economy and encouraging people to support local businesses and doing this safely in a way that minimises the risk to people’s health.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

A number of options were tested for each of the funding streams identified in this report, as part of the original delegations outlined in table 3. Furthermore, in the development of this programme several options were considered.

Option1: Do minimal option: SCC business support, investment and marketing functions return to ‘business as usual’ activity and stop providing Covid support as the economy reopens. Additional funding is not sought, and recovery projects are not developed for delivery.

This option would not deliver against the BRP agreed by Cabinet and critically would lead to further economic distress, as businesses are not supported to reopen.

7.4.2

Option 2: Do not stimulate demand to bring back footfall and visitors: SCC business support and Covid critical interventions continue but no additional funding is sought to stimulate demand, consumer confidence and tourism. Specifically, The Summer in The Outdoor City Proposal and elements of the Welcome Back Fund are not progressed.

This option would not deliver against the specific gap in this area identify by the BRG in the BRP. It would lead to slower recovery and a protracted period where businesses maybe operating at a loss, due to reduced demand, putting businesses and jobs at risk.

7.3.3

Option 3: Approve Phase 1 of the Recovery Deliver Programme, to support businesses to adapt and thrive to the new economic climate and to support the high street and hardest hit sectors by working to bring back demand, through effective marketing and communications, the ‘Summer in The Outdoor City ‘campaign, outdoor events and animation activity to encourage people to visit their District and City Centres and support local businesses.

This option would progress delivery of the BRP and help footfall and demand to return to highstreets and the hospitality sector quicker, delivering against the outcomes identified in this report.

7.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

Councillor Jayne Dunn Declared a personal interest as a business owner in Broomhill.

Councillor Paul Wood declared a personal interest as the Vice Chair of a local charity.

7.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

7.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director, Place

7.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

7.1

The Interim Executive Director, Place submitted a report which proposed that the Co-operative Executive endorse Phase 1 of the Recovery Delivery Programme, to deliver against the Business Recovery Plan agreed by Cabinet in Oct 2020.

There are multiple funding sources identified against the delivery programme, which have been subject to separate decisions, and have established appropriate delegations. As such, this report was seeking endorsement and approval from the Co-operative Executive for the suite of activities outlined.

7.2

RESOLVED: That Cooperative Executive:-

1. Support the proposal to create a ‘Summer in The Outdoor City’ city-wide visitor campaign; to deliver a large-scale programme of events during the summer across the city centre; and to showcase community and district centre events and partner activities that help to generate footfall and visitors through the summer months;

2. On the recommendation of the Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group, endorse the first wave of projects to be taken forward for development, through the £2m Economic Recovery Fund. This includes 6 projects to support the recovery of District Centres, bringing back footfall and investing in the regeneration of the local high street, and a further 6 projects focused on animating the city centre to support the delivery of the Summer in The Outdoor City proposal;

3. Approve that the Member led Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group will now be chaired by Cllr Paul Turpin, as Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Jobs and Skills (responsible for District Centres) and that Cllr Julie Grocutt, as Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Community Engagement and Governance (responsible for Covid response and recovery) will be invited to join the steering group;

4. Approve the proposed activity to be funded from the Welcome Back Fund, including the continuation of the district centre Business Information Officers who are supporting businesses to be Covid secure; helping high street businesses get online; and the delivery of the marketing and communications campaign to support reopening;

5. Harness Sheffield City Council’s local Additional Restrictions Grant to support the delivery of the Summer in the Outdoor City Proposal, and to work with the Business Response Group to identify a further set of projects which would: kick start the green recovery, accelerate start-ups; and further support the growth aspirations of SMEs with appropriate grant programmes to deliver more investment and jobs in Sheffield;

6. To note the associated Co-operative Executive Report to accept the European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) grant for the £2.3m Low Carbon Business Support project that will operate until 30^th June 2023 and is part of this Recovery Delivery Programme;

7.    Agree that the Director of Finance and Commercial Services will work with the Head of Service for Economic Strategy and Commissioning on this delivery programme to ensure the most effective use of funds. This will be done with respect to any legal requirements and the eligibility and delegations set out for each funding stream; and

8.    Note, with thanks, the ongoing contribution from the Business Response Group in the development and delivery of the Business Recovery Plan.

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

The COVID pandemic has presented a number of challenges for businesses and the economy which, if not addressed, could lead to long term issues in terms for employment, business and wages with knock-on impacts on health inequalities and people’s wellbeing.

The Sheffield COVID Business Recovery Plan set out the priorities for the city in addressing these issues and creates a framework for the Council to work alongside the business community to support the city’s recovery, protecting jobs and businesses.

The activities in the report demonstrates delivery against the BRP framework and enables critical projects to progress as Phase 1 of the city’s Recovery Delivery Programme.

The activities outlined in this report have been developed following advice and discussion with Public Health colleagues and ensure an appropriate balance between reopening the economy and encouraging people to support local businesses and doing this safely in a way that minimises the risk to people’s health.

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

A number of options were tested for each of the funding streams identified in this report, as part of the original delegations outlined in table 3. Furthermore, in the development of this programme several options were considered.

Option1: Do minimal option: SCC business support, investment and marketing functions return to ‘business as usual’ activity and stop providing Covid support as the economy reopens. Additional funding is not sought, and recovery projects are not developed for delivery.

This option would not deliver against the BRP agreed by Cabinet and critically would lead to further economic distress, as businesses are not supported to reopen.

7.4.2

Option 2: Do not stimulate demand to bring back footfall and visitors: SCC business support and Covid critical interventions continue but no additional funding is sought to stimulate demand, consumer confidence and tourism. Specifically, The Summer in The Outdoor City Proposal and elements of the Welcome Back Fund are not progressed.

This option would not deliver against the specific gap in this area identify by the BRG in the BRP. It would lead to slower recovery and a protracted period where businesses maybe operating at a loss, due to reduced demand, putting businesses and jobs at risk.

7.3.3

Option 3: Approve Phase 1 of the Recovery Deliver Programme, to support businesses to adapt and thrive to the new economic climate and to support the high street and hardest hit sectors by working to bring back demand, through effective marketing and communications, the ‘Summer in The Outdoor City ‘campaign, outdoor events and animation activity to encourage people to visit their District and City Centres and support local businesses.

This option would progress delivery of the BRP and help footfall and demand to return to highstreets and the hospitality sector quicker, delivering against the outcomes identified in this report.