The Cabinet considered a report and appendices containing exempt commercially sensitive information, under Paragraph 3, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The report sought approval to provide a grant to the company named in the report to enable the development of a new visitor attraction in Wirral.

The intention of the grant was to intervene in situations where projects that deliver key economic outputs, in line with Wirral’s Growth Plan, would not otherwise progress.  These outcomes include creating jobs, delivering investment and enabling regeneration. Projects supported by the Council’s Business Investment Fund would also have a catalytic impact across other areas of the Borough’s economy.  This project had been assessed in line with these criteria.

The Cabinet noted that this was not a key decision.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  approval be given to a grant of £95,000 to the Woodside Area Community Interest Company, from the Business Investment Fund, that will enable the development of a new visitor attraction in Wirral; and

(2)  the Director of Governance and Assurance be authorised to draw up and sign a legal agreement between the Council and the Company that is within State Aid regulations and subject to the conditions contained in the report.