Issue details

Decision type: Key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 24/08/2022

This decision will be taken under urgency procedures.

Reason for urgency:
This decision will be taken under the urgency provisions at Procedure Rule 92 of the Council’s Constitution. The reason for use of the urgency procedures is as follows: The COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) scheme has been in operation for a full 6 months. There have only been 755 applications, 400 of which were successful. Despite four direct communications to businesses and extensive outreach work, applications have reduced to very low levels (6 in the last 7 days). The final deadline for CARF awards to be made is 30 September 2022. At the current rate of successful applications, we estimate that, unless the scheme is amended, almost £4.7M would be returned to Government. Given the need to support businesses within our local area who have been impacted by the pandemic, as well as the impending energy cost increases for businesses who are not protected by a cap, an urgent decision is required to ensure that as many local businesses benefit as possible.

Decision due: 2 Sep 2022 by Corporate Director Community Wealth Building

Lead member: Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs Santiago.BB@islington.gov.uk

Department: Community Wealth Building

Contact: Stephen Biggs, Corporate Director Community Wealth Building Email: stephen.biggs@islington.gov.uk.