Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

Members were requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no interests declared at this meeting.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the Growth Scrutiny Committee held on 8 June 2020.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager clarified that homelessness remained part of the Communities Scrutiny Committee’s remit, and that the Committee was due to review the Action Plan from a previous Scrutiny Review on Homelessness. 

Councillor S Cornwell and Councillor N Whitehead were invited to attend the next meeting of the Communities Scrutiny Committee to observe the progress made against the Action Plan.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee held on 8 June 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider an update on progress from the Director of Growth & Economic Development.

The Director of Growth and Economic Development and the Joint Housing Strategy and Growth Manager were present at the meeting to discuss the Council’s Growth Strategy. 

The Committee heard that the Growth Strategy was being based around the economic recovery post Covid-19, and what could be done to support the District’s economy going forward.  It was stated that it was also being aligned with the D2N2 LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) priorities, which included the Green Agenda, IT and Broadband.  It was hoped that this would maximise funding opportunities.

The Committee was informed about town centre regeneration projects such as One Public Estate (OPE) reviews at Eckington and Killamarsh, and Members were updated on the progress of the Clay Cross Town Board and the investment plan for Clay Cross.

The Committee discussed the priorities of the D2N2 LEP and Central Government and how that translated to funding opportunities for the Council. 

Scoping of Review, including Scene Setting.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager advised that a draft project plan had been circulated to Members and this was to help scope the review.  The Director of Growth and Economic Development and the Joint Housing Strategy and Growth Manager were present to assist in scoping the review. 

Members had a wide ranging discussion on potential Scrutiny topics, which included a focus on local and parish issues, contributions to the Council’s Growth Plan, tourism, and the post Covid-19 economic response.

The Committee heard that the Coronavirus Pandemic had significantly impacted particular sectors of the economy, such as in tourism and on the High Street, and that both sectors could take a long time to recover. 

There was a consensus that the District’s tourist attractions had a lot to offer, and that more could be done to promote North East Derbyshire’s various events.  Members also discussed the possibility of scrutinising One Public Estate (OPE) Projects. 

The Committee agreed to feed comments into both the emerging Growth Plan and draft Tourism Plan at the next meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee on 7 September 2020.  Members also remained open to a further spotlight review on the One Public Estate (OPE) Projects.

To consider the Forward Plan of Executive Decisions – 15 May to 15 June 2020.

AGREED – That the Forward Plan of Executive Decisions – 15 May to 15 June 2020 be noted.

To consider the Work Programme for the Growth Scrutiny Committee 2020/21 and review the proposed workload.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager advised Members that the Work Programme would be amended, and that items would be added to include the Committee’s work on the One Public Estate (OPE) Projects.   Members also noted that the Growth Strategy was due to be brought back to the Committee for the 9 November 2020 meeting.

The Committee further discussed the spotlight review of the One Public Estate (OPE) Projects and what could be included in future meetings. 

The Committee also enquired about the progress of a previous review on industrial units and business centres.  Members agreed that the report should be sent to Cabinet and considered the review as complete.

AGREED – That the Draft Work Programme be noted.

To consider any other matter which the Chair of the Committee is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items to be discussed at the meeting.

The next meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place on Monday, 7 September 2020 at 1.00 pm.

The next meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place on Monday, 7 September 2020 at 1.00 pm.