Cabinet decisions go ahead to secure significant investment across the district
Wakefield
Council has today approved millions of pounds worth of investment and support
across the district.
Following the
latest Government guidance, today’s Cabinet meeting was replaced by Leader
decisions, following a consultation discussion with Cabinet Members.
The Council’s Chief Legal Officer oversaw the call, to ensure that all
necessary governance was in place.
Cllr
Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It is important to us that
urgent decision making can continue so that much needed support and investment
can still be delivered across the district.
"Now, more than ever, it’s important that decisions are made that will
make a real difference to people’s lives and I am delighted that today we have
pledged millions of pounds worth of investment in vital projects.
"I have also approved the next steps of the £1.8bn West Yorkshire Devolution
Deal – which will unlock decades of significant investment for Wakefield.”
The following decisions have today (Tuesday 24 March) been approved:
·
£10m investment into the district’s town centres including Horbury, Ossett and
the south east of the district, ensuring they continue to be vibrant places
that attract investment from businesses and visitors.
·
An extension to the city centre’s successful Public Space Protection Order for
a further three years to tackle anti-social behaviour.
·
£3m investment in a new Community Hub for the Knottingley area to provide
support for people to develop work skills, take part in sports activities and
health and wellbeing initiatives. Plans also include a café, meeting space for
community groups, business space and digital area.
·
£2.2m investment boost for Ossett Town Hall. The money will pay for the
refurbishment of the auditorium and public areas, in order to improve its
facilities and preserve the listed nature of the building. It will also go
towards preserving the structural integrity of the building, including the
roof.
·
Approval to begin the review process for the ambitious £1.8billion West
Yorkshire devolution deal, the biggest ever of its kind, which is set to unlock
decades of significant investment for the Wakefield district.
Future meetings
of Cabinet, Licensing Committee and Planning Committee scheduled in the next
few weeks will also be replaced by delegated decisions after consultation with
Cabinet and Committee Chairs.
Longer
term, alternative arrangements will be made once legal powers are in place to
allow committees to meet virtually and as part of this Wakefield Council will
identify the best way to share these meetings with the public to ensure it can continue
its commitment to openness and transparency.