Issue - meetings

(Report of the Chief Executive)

The report provided a detailed overview of the progress made in delivering the Economic Regeneration Strategy Action Plan during 2016.   Overall, good progress was being made on a wide range of initiatives and these were set out in Annex 1 to the report.

It was indicated that ‘business advice and support’ would also offer guidance regarding the changes to business rates and the Borough Council would continue to lobby Government on behalf of local businesses.

Reference was made to the three year survival rates, set out in Annex 2 to the report, and it was suggested that comparisons throughout Kent and the United Kingdom be included in future to provide context.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

(1)     the Borough Council Economic Regeneration Strategy Action Plan update, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed;

(2)     the amendments to the targets relating to certain indicators reflecting ‘previous performance, as set out in paragraph 1.2.7 of the report, be agreed; and

(3)     the priorities for 2017/18, as set out in paragraph 1.3.1 of the report, be agreed.

Decision Notice D170017MEM

The report provided a detailed overview of the progress made in delivering the Economic Regeneration Strategy Action Plan during 2016.   Overall, good progress was being made on a wide range of initiatives and these were set out in Annex 1 to the report. 

It was indicated that ‘business advice and support’ would also offer guidance regarding the changes to business rates and the Borough Council would continue to lobby Government on behalf of local businesses.   Business rates represented a significant impact to many businesses and this approach was supported.

In addition, it was confirmed that the business support workshops would be held in Kings Hill on 28 February 2017.

Reference was made to the three year survival rates, set out in Annex 2 to the report, and it was suggested that comparisons throughout Kent and the United Kingdom be included in future to provide context.

The award of £4.64m of Local Growth Fund Round 3 funding towards the Leigh Flood Storage Area, including Hildenborough, and East Peckham was reported and welcomed by Members.

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)     the Borough Council Economic Regeneration Strategy Action Plan update, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be endorsed;

(2)     the amendments to the targets relating to certain indicators reflecting ‘previous performance’, as set out in paragraph 1.2.7 of the report, be agreed; and

(3)    the priorities for 2017/18, as set out in paragraph 1.3.1 of the report, be agreed.