Issue - meetings

To report on progress regarding the Fenland Inspire! project in respect of play area equipment.

AGREED:

·         To note that the deadline for committing the Pride in Place Impact Fund that is funding open space and play area improvements should be committed by no later than 31 March 2027

·         To note that work to replace Westmead play area is underway and is outside of the Pride in Place Impact Fund play area budget

·         That the Portfolio Holder for Finance Inspire! – Play Equipment immediately contacts all FDC members to request ideas of specific locations where the funding should be spent. There are significant constraints set by Government on how this grant money may be spent, FDC members suggesting that money in their area should be spent on schemes other than play areas should carefully check that any such alternative spending falls within the Government’s criteria. Schemes generally must also be deliverable relatively quickly to satisfy the Government's timing criteria for spend to be completed.

·         That, in the interest of fairness across the district, an indicative split of spend shall be that £250,000 shall be spent in each of the four towns, whilst £500,000 shall be spent in the parished areas outside the boundaries of the four Fenland towns. It is appreciated that this precise split will not be able to be achieved because of the discreet individual cost of each selected scheme, but this split is an initial guide to assist in creating a fair allocation across the district.

·         That proposals will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2026 for approval to progress.

Members considered the Fenland Inspire! Play Equipment report presented by Councillor Imafidon. 

Councillor Hoy said she is pleased to see Westmead Avenue included separately and wants it on record that Fenland should not be waiting for pots of money in order to undertake basic maintenance work. The council is obligated to maintain services in order not to allow things to go to rack and ruin and there must be a budget for maintenance.  Councillor Mrs French advised that this was looked at last June and has nothing to do with Inspire or Pride in Place; a swing has now gone but hopefully more equipment should be included soon under budget maintenance.

Councillor Tierney said given the short timeframe, it is important that this project is member-led. Councillor Boden pointed out that not all Fenland play areas are owned, maintained or controlled by FDC; some are funded by local developers, residents’ organisations or local charities. It is a complicated picture which makes it difficult for the authority to take an overview of the whole district, and he agreed with Councillor Tierney of the importance of this being member-led. Members know their local wards and communities and where there is a need that should be targeted. 

Councillor Seaton said that he had emailed all district councillors asking them for their proposals but has only received two responses so far. The information is required as soon as possible for this to be progressed. 

Proposed by Councillor Imafidon, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and AGREED:

·         To note that the deadline for committing the Pride in Place Impact Fund that is funding open space and play area improvements should be committed by no later than 31 March 2027

·         To note that work to replace Westmead play area is underway and is outside of the Pride in Place Impact Fund play area budget

·         That the Portfolio Holder for Finance Inspire! – Play Equipment immediately contacts all FDC members to request ideas of specific locations where the funding should be spent. There are significant constraints set by Government on how this grant money may be spent, FDC members suggesting that money in their area should be spent on schemes other than play areas should carefully check that any such alternative spending falls within the Government’s criteria. Schemes generally must also be deliverable relatively quickly to satisfy the Government's timing criteria for spend to be completed.

·         That, in the interest of fairness across the district, an indicative split of spend shall be that £250,000 shall be spent in each of the four towns, whilst £500,000 shall be spent in the parished areas outside the boundaries of the four Fenland towns. It is appreciated that this precise split will not be able to be achieved because of the discreet individual cost of each selected scheme, but this split is an initial guide to assist in creating a fair allocation across the district.

·         That proposals will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2026 for approval to progress.