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.

The implementation of the Site Development Plan will directly support the regeneration of Birkenhead which has been a long-term priority for the Council. It supports the Council’s ambitions around sustainable development and the generation of a prosperous inclusive economy where people can get good jobs and achieve their aspirations regardless of their background or where they live.

Resolved – That the Formal Site Development Plan for Birkenhead Commercial District Phase 1, be approved.

Prevention is a cross-cutting theme of significance in Children’s Services, Adult Social Care and Health, and Public Health. It is therefore essential that there is cross-Council agreement to prioritise preventative activity and to outline the expectations and delivery methodology for preventative approaches.

Resolved – That,

(1)  the Prevention Policy Statement and Prevention Framework, be approved;

(2)  the Breaking the Cycle programme approach, be approved.