Issue - meetings

(Report of Chief Executive)

The key findings of ‘The Case for West Kent’ consultant’s study into the importance of the West Kent economy, commissioned by the West Kent Partnership, were set out for consideration.  It was reported that these recommendations would be assessed in detail and an action plan prepared to take them forward. 

A review of the structure and Membership of the Partnership would also be undertaken with a view to attracting greater representation from local businesses.

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

(1)               the Case for West Kent consultant’s report, attached in part as Appendix 1 to the report, be noted; and

(2)               a further report on the actions arising be made to the Advisory Board in due course.

Decision Notice D150022MEM

The key findings of ‘The Case for West Kent’ consultant’s study into the importance of the West Kent economy, commissioned by the West Kent Partnership, were set out for Members consideration.  It was reported that these recommendations would be assessed in detail and an action plan prepared to take them forward. 

A review of the structure and Membership of the Partnership would also be undertaken with a view to attracting greater representation from local businesses.

Members noted the need to more actively promote opportunities to attract and retain additional inward investment, the development of a pipeline of projects ready to take forward when new funding became available and the recommendation that local authorities should invest additional resources in economic regeneration.  The latter would be addressed in Tonbridge and Malling by the engagement of an Economic Regeneration Officer. 

Finally, the Leader referred to the circumstances regarding Aylesford News Print and advised that the administrators (KPMG) had confirmed that 233 employees had been made redundant with immediate effect; 65 staff would be retained to assist with the sale of assets and decommissioning of the site.  The production facility was now closed and had been a victim of the increase of digital media and overcapacity in the print market.

Members were advised that the Borough Council was committed to supporting those affected in co-operation with other agencies.  Arrangements had been made for Job Centre Plus to provide drop in centres to offer advice and assistance to those made redundant.  A local briefing for key partners with KPMG was to be arranged and the Leader and Chief Executive would participate.

There were likely to be operational and financial implications for the Borough Council and Members would be updated in due course once these were fully understood.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)               the Case for West Kent consultant’s report, attached in part as Appendix 1 to the report, be noted; and

(2)               a further report on the actions arising be made to the Advisory Board in due course