Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members in any doubt about declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 2 September 2020

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 2 September 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A presentation by the Economic Regeneration Manager (Jeremy Whittaker) on the continuing impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the local economy. Information on support for local businesses will also be provided.

To assist the Board’s consideration of the matters presented to the meeting the Economic Regeneration Manager provided a comprehensive update on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the local economy.  Attention was drawn to support which could be available to local businesses in light of the recent Government announcement of a national lockdown.  Particular reference was made to the impact on the ‘High Street’ economy and to planning for its recovery. 

This report sets out the proposed changes to the draft strategy in light of the feedback received during the consultation exercise which was undertaken in September - October 2020, and recommends adoption of the strategy as amended.

The report of the Chief Executive set out the proposed changes to the draft Borough Economic Recovery Strategy 2021-23 in light of feedback received during the consultation exercise undertaken in September and October 2020.

RECOMMENDED:  That the Borough Economic Recovery Strategy, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be commended to the Cabinet for approval.

*Referred to Cabinet

This report gives an update on the Business Rates Retention Pilot and Business Rates Pool funding and, following on from an initial report to the Board in September 2020, provides more detail on potential priority projects for funding in light of the impact of Covid-19.

Decision Notice D200077MEM

The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on projects funded from the Business Rates Retention Pilot and Business Rates Pool.  Further to the initial report presented to the Board on 2 September 2020 (Minute ERG 20/6 refers), the report set out details of potential priority projects which supported economic growth and resilience and could be funded from the remaining funds.

RECOMMENDED:  That 

(1)         the report be noted; and

(2)         the proposed funding areas, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved and submitted to Kent County Council for its agreement. 

This report outlines the national Kickstart Scheme and updates the Board on measures being undertaken to set up a ‘gateway’ to help tackle youth unemployment in West Kent, and the potential for the Borough Council to support the programme.

Decision Notice D200078MEM

The report of the Chief Executive provided an outline of the national Kickstart Scheme together with an update on measures undertaken to set up a ‘gateway’ to help tackle youth unemployment in West Kent. The report identified areas in which the Borough Council could actively support and encourage participation in the West Kent Kickstart Programme.

RECOMMENDED:  That the support of the West Kent Kickstart Programme and, specifically, the provision of placements at the Borough Council through the programme, be endorsed.

The report provided a summary of the key matters discussed at the meeting of the West Kent Partnership held on 9 October 2020.

The report presented details of the key matters discussed at the meeting of the West Kent Partnership held on 9 October 2020.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.