This report provides an update on progress made in the development of Market Town Investment Plans for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton and Thirsk; advises on and agrees the priority projects selected by Ward Members to take forward for further business case development; advises and agrees projects selected by Ward Members to utilise a £50k per town capital budget allocated in the 2022/23 Capital Programme approved by Cabinet in December 2021 for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton, Northallerton and Thirsk.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will note progress made in the development of a series of Market Town Investment Plans for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton and Thirsk; approve further development of the projects set out in Annex A section 2.1 of the report to business case stage; approve the delivery of the projects set out at Annex A section 2.2 of the report using the vibrant market town budget in the 2022/23 Capital Programme; and delegate the decision for allocation of the Northallerton £50,000 to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided an update on progress made in the development of Market Town Investment Plans for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton and Thirsk; advised on and agreed the priority projects selected by Ward Members to take forward for further business case development; advised and agreed projects selected by Ward Members to utilise a £50k per town capital budget allocated in the 2022/23 Capital Programme approved by Cabinet in December 2021 for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton, Northallerton and Thirsk.

Alternative options considered:

None

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the Market Town Investment Plans supported the Council’s priority of Driving Economic Vitality, specifically supporting the development of vibrant market towns and the future sustainability of the high streets.  The plans also delivered on a number of the measures listed in the Council’s Economic Response and Recover Plan.

The decision:

That Cabinet:-

(1)     notes progress made in the development of a series of Market Town Investment Plans for Bedale, Easingwold, Stokesley & Great Ayton and Thirsk;

(2)     approves further development of the projects set out in Annex A section 2.1 of the report to business case stage;

(3)     approves the delivery of the projects set out at Annex A section 2.2 of the report using the vibrant market town budget in the 2022/23 Capital Programme; and

(4)     delegates the decision for allocation of the Northallerton £50,000 to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Deputy Leader.