In September 2019 the Government invited the Council to enter into a ‘Town Deal’ agreement for Birkenhead, which would see investment of up to £25m, or for proposals with regional significance up to £50m, to boost productivity, skills and living standards.

At its meeting on 26th January 2021 the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee considered proposals regarding the submission of a Town Investment Plan for Birkenhead. The Committee delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and Place, in consultation with the Chair and Spokespersons of the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee, and the Chair of the Town Deal Board, to agree the Town Deal Heads of Terms with Government.

On 15th July 2021 the Council received notification from the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government that its Town Investment Plan submission has been successful. The Council has been offered a Town Deal for Birkenhead up to a value of £25 million, subject to agreeing Heads of Terms and the development of businesses cases for the projects proposed (attached as Appendix 1 to this report).

The grant of £25million will be utilised to deliver the Town Investment Plan, which will support the delivery of growth and regeneration of Birkenhead.

Resolved – That

(1)  The offer of a Town Deal for Birkenhead up to a value of £25 million, and the the associated Heads of Terms, as set out in the offer letter from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government be accepted.

(2)  The decision be taken as urgent and not subject to review.

To enable the Director of Regeneration and Place to accept the offer of a Town Deal for Birkenhead up to a value of £25 million, and the associated Head of Terms, in order to support the delivery of growth and regeneration of Birkenhead and implement the Town Investment Plan.

Another option would be to decline the offer. This would mean that Birkenhead would not benefit from the grant funding offered and the Council and project proposers would not be able to deliver the projects and regeneration ambitions set out in the Town Investment Plan.