(1) That the content of the report be noted.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy, to finalise the terms of the Hosting Agreement.

(3) That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to enter into the Hosting Agreement.

It is important for the Council to enter into and endorse the Hosting Agreement, especially given the financial commitments received by the Council and the expenditure planned. Entering into the agreements protects the rights and actions of the key stakeholders involved in delivering the event including the Council as host. A number of the future funding mechanisms the Council can access are also tied into the agreement, which the Council will not be able to access if the agreement is not signed.

If the Council were not to enter into the Host Agreement with the UEFA and FA, it would put the project at risk, as the authority would not be able to access funding associated with the project, the borough would also not be able to benefit from the legacy investment and opportunities as well.