Agenda, decisions and minutes

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 21 February 2018

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 21 February 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Presentation by Simon Harris on the West Kent Enterprise Adviser Network and the progress that has been made since it began in September 2017

Simon Harris gave a detailed presentation on the development of the West Kent Enterprise Advisor Network operating with the three districts of Tonbridge and Malling, Tonbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. 

The report sets out initial thoughts on the refresh of the West Kent Priorities for Economic Growth Strategy and seeks views on future priorities.

Decision Notice D180038MEM

The report of the Chief Executive set out a proposed structure and potential areas of focus for the refresh of the existing West Kent Priorities for Economic Growth 2015-2018 strategy document and sought views on future priority areas. 

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed outline structure, objectives and priorities of the refreshed West Kent Priorities for Economic Growth Strategy, as set out in the report, be supported.

The report provides information on the current Service Level Agreement with Visit Kent and sets out proposals for 2018/19.

Decision Notice D180039MEM

The report of the Chief Executive provided information on tourism activity within Tonbridge and Malling in 2017/18 promoted through the annual Service Level Agreement between the Council and Visit Kent.  Details of the proposed Agreement for 2018/19 were set out at paragraph 1.4 of the report.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)          the proposal to continue the Service Level Agreement with Visit Kent in 2018/19 at the same level as 2017/18 (a maximum of £3,500) be agreed; and

(2)          the inclusion of the activities set out at 1.4.2 of the report be agreed.

The report provides an update on the Business Rates Retention Pilot and sets out details of possible initiatives which could be funded via the housing and commercial growth fund element.

Decision Notice D180040MEM

The report of the Chief Executive set out the background to the Business Rate Retention Pilot for Kent and Medway and highlighted the main components of the scheme.  The report focused on local regeneration initiatives which could be funded from the Housing and Commercial Growth Fund element of the scheme.

RECOMMENDED:  That the initial priorities, as set out at 1.2.5 and 1.2.6 of the report, be endorsed and further discussions within the West Kent Cluster Group be undertaken.

The Minutes of the meeting of the West Kent Partnership held on 27 April 2018 are attached for information.

The Minutes of the meeting of the West Kent Partnership held on 27 April 2018 were presented for information and noted by Members. 

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.