Decision details

The Economy and Growth Committee, at its meeting on 10 March 2026 considered a report on the Towns Fund Budget Proposals and resolved to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director Place and the Executive Director Resources (S151 Officer) to:

a)    approve any future reallocation of Towns Fund budgets between existing Towns Fund projects, and the associated adjustments to the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, subject to the recommendations of Crewe Town Board and the approval limits within the council’s Constitution.

b)    note that any future reallocations taken under a) be reported to the subsequent meeting of Economy & Growth Committee and/or Cabinet, as appropriate.

Economy and Growth Committee 10 March 2026 - Towns Fund Budget Proposals

1. Approve the following changes to Local Regeneration Fund Grant project capital grant allocations:

a) reduce the allocation for Valley Brook Green Corridor by £0.55m from £2.089m to £1.539m;

b) increase the allocation for Cumberland Arena by £0.499m from £3.612m to £4.111m;

c) Increase the allocation for Pocket Parks by £0.05m from £1.481m to £1.531m

2. Approve adjustments to the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) that reflect the recommendations above and note there is no net impact on the MTFS.

3. Note that details of this reallocation will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MCHLG) with confirmation that the portfolio of projects continues to offer value for money.

4. Authorise any necessary amendments to grant agreements and contracts to reflect the budgetary changes proposed.

5. Note that £0.187m grant remains unallocated at present and is to be managed as a programme-level contingency budget for future reallocation. For accounting purposes this remains with the Valley Brook Green Corridor budget.