Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the associated report.

RESOLVED –

1. That a 6-week consultation of the Draft Economic Development Strategy for the period 2023-2026, starting in September be approved.

2. That a final version of the Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for consideration, approval and adoption be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the key issues relating to economic development are recognised and addressed to help create the right conditions for businesses to flourish in the borough and for inward investment. To provide a basis for bidding for project funding in the future, as opportunities arise.

Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development introduced Hilary Smith, Economic Development Manager and James Read, Senior Economic Development Officer who presented the report set out in the agenda.

Discussion and questions from Members included the following:

-       Members thanked the team for their hard work in producing the draft Strategy and for taking on board the comments from the Communities and Economic Development Cabinet Advisory Board.

-       The consultation looked very comprehensive so it would be interesting to see what responses were received and how the Council would respond.

-       It was very encouraging to see that aiming for net zero was one of the headline objectives.

-       The team were thanked for their work in arranging visits for the Leader and the Chief Executive to meet with local businesses.  It had proved very helpful in trying to understand their concerns and ambitiions.

RESOLVED –

1. That a 6-week consultation of the Draft Economic Development Strategy for the period 2023-2026, starting in September be approved.

2. That a final version of the Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for consideration, approval and adoption be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the key issues relating to economic development are recognised and addressed to help create the right conditions for businesses to flourish in the borough and for inward investment. To provide a basis for bidding for project funding in the future, as opportunities arise.

Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet for Economic Development gave an overview and introduced Hilary Smith, Economic Development manager who presented the report as per the agenda.

Member questions and officer clarification included:

                 i.          Members took note of points made about renewable energy and transport.

                ii.          It was advised that Net Zero was the first objective on the list and at the top of the action plan which aligned the economic development strategy with climate change.

               iii.          Members took note of the point made about the text under the rural selection as well as adding more reference to the importance of agriculture and horticulture.

              iv.          Boarded up buildings in Southborough need to be repaired to improve the entrance to the borough. Listed buildings that are derelict need to be addressed. They were advised to take this to the town council about neighbourhood plans. Members took note but said they would think about this after the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation(s) subject to the issues it has identified being taken into account by the Cabinet, be approved.

                 i.          To consider what work can be done with the CEAP that is relevant for businesses and the wider borough in terms of the addressing the climate emergency and carbon reduction. The impacts possible pathways included in the report towards impacts.

                ii.          Parish Councils being partners in the carbon reduction actions

               iii.          Rethinking how the focus on agriculture and horticulture in the rural areas the rural economies is addressed.