A report by the Interim Director of Corporate Services informed the Cabinet that funding of £920,243 had now been received by the Council from the New Growth Point fund for 2010/11.  The Cabinet was requested to agree revisions to the Programme of Development projects for 2010/11.

The funding would be used to support the housing market in Inner Wirral and help to deliver additional homes before 2016/17.  Members were aware that the Council’s Planning Committee had resolved to grant planning permission for over 15,000 new homes in Wirral Waters but progress had been hindered by the current lack of strength in the housing market.

The Mersey Heartlands Growth Fund was overseen by a Member-level Executive Group, jointly with Liverpool City Council, which endorsed recommendations to Wirral’s Cabinet.  The Cabinet was asked to nominate three Members to the Executive Group.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the variations in the Programme of Development project schedule, as set out at Appendix 1 to this report be agreed, subject to variation due to re-prioritisation within Liverpool or Wirral being considered by the Steering Group, and that re-prioritisation be reported to the next available meeting of the Executive Group for their endorsement and recommendation to Wirral’s Cabinet;

(2)  the revised Wirral projects be incorporated within the relevant Council revenue or capital programmes; and

(3)  Councillors S Holbrook, A Hodson and C Blakeley be nominated to serve on the joint Growth Point Executive Group with Liverpool City Council.