Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included in this agenda

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To agree as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Councillor Holland paid tribute to the work undertaken by Councillor Gardner as the previous Chair.

Resolved:                             That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 April 2017 be agreed as a correct record.

The Chair reported that members of the Committee had been canvassed and that the time of the meeting would remain at 7pm.

The Regeneration and Economic Development Manager presented this item and set out a synopsis of the Economic Development Strategy 2017 – 2022 for review by members of the Scrutiny Committee.

One of the themes for the strategy was “Inclusive Growth” the aim of which was to help ensure that all members of the community were taken notice of within the plans. Continuing, the officer explained how the strategy was aligned to other economic development strategies in the business development arena and in this respect highlighted the success of the Newcastle based Business Boost initiative.

Members discussed ways to contribute to the development of the document and it was decided to set up a sub group to develop the strategy. Councillor John Williams, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres, Property and Business, welcomed the opportunity to work with the sub-group.

Councillor Williams referred to a briefing on Brexit to be held at the Civic Offices on 20 July and it was agreed that the Scrutiny Officer would circulate further information to all members of this Committee.

Agreed   That the draft Economic Development and Enterprise Strategy be considered at the September meeting of the Committee, meanwhile the scrutiny officer be requested to send a copy of the draft strategy to all members of the committee with a request to highlight specific areas that they wish to examine in more detail prior to the meeting.

Agreed          Thatthe Chair together with Councillors Gardner and Owen work together as a sub group to develop the strategy, taking into account  input received from members.

 At this point Councillor Matthews joined the meeting.

 The Chair asked for member suggestions regarding items for inclusion in the work programme.

It was agreed that the Homelessness Strategy and the Economic Development Strategy be discussed at the September meeting of the Committee.

Councillor Loades asked for a presentation on the economic performance and business growth within the Borough, together with the planning, development control and building regulation policy. (December meeting).

The Chair referred to the District Deal which was one of the key drivers of economic development within the Borough.  He commented on transport connectivity, including the unsatisfactory exit at Junction 15.

 It was agreed that the District Commissioning Lead be invited to attend the December meeting when these issues were discussed.

The Chair asked to consider the development and future use of land associated with the Ryecroft development, including the potential for jobs.  It was agreed that this item would be discussed at the March Meeting of the Committee and that the Bid Manager be invited to attend this meeting to discuss the wider context of town centre development.

Agreed:         That the work programme be amended to include consideration of the items set out above.

Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no members of the public present at the meeting.

There was no Urgent Business.