Decision details

The Recovery and Renewal Funding for certain projects has not been spent, and therefore is available for reallocation. In addition, there is outstanding rent arrears that the Council has not been successful in recovering, and proposes to write off the debt.

1.  That the irrecoverable outstanding rent due of £25,152 from Chillington House be written off;

2.  That the reallocation of Recovery and Renewal Funding for a number of projects as shown at 2.4 in this report be endorsed; and

3.  That Officers be tasked to produce a report setting out the scope for a piece of work to enable us to have a better understanding of the current levels of and trends in economic activity and unemployment in the borough especially for young people (aged 18 to 24) and to identify the key questions and challenges that need to be addressed.

We have reviewed the spend against projects planned as part of the Recovery and Renewal Action Plan.  The following projects will not spend all or part of their allocated funds and therefore require a reallocation of funding.

 Vibrant Economy - Mid Kent College skills hub – £60k. 

•  Resilient Communities - Support and Encourage Volunteering in the Borough – reallocate £11,583 (out of original £25K)

•  The Way We Work - Embedding new ways of working and ensuring the office is fit for purpose £30k (out of original £50k)

The amount to be reallocated is £101,583.  It is proposed that this money is redistributed to two successful projects already in the plan.

•  Resilient Communities – Community Resilience Fund -£52,083

•  Resilient Communities – Extension of Let’s Talk Maidstone on a three-year subscription – £49,500

The debt relating to Chillington House refers to rent arrears over a long period. Every effort has been made to recover the debt but the former tenant cannot be traced, and therefore it is recommended for write-off.

OPTION 1A (APPROVED): that the funds for the projects outlined are reallocated as stated. This is the preferred option.

OPTION 1B (REJECTED): that the funds for the projects outlined are not reallocated. This is not recommended as the projects will not spend the amount allocated.

OPTION 2A (APPROVED): that the irrecoverable outstanding rent from Chillington House is written off.

OPTION 2B (REJECTED): that the irrecoverable outstanding rent from Chillington House is written off. This is not recommended as every effort has already been made to recover the debt, and has not been successful.