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 4 June 2018

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 4 June 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The report presents a consultation draft of the Borough Economic Regeneration Strategy 2019-2023 and sets out proposals for consultation and adoption arrangements.

Decision Notice D180051MEM

The report of the Chief Executive summarised the achievements of the current Borough Economic Regeneration Strategy 2015-2019 and set out details of the proposed consultation process and timescales for the adoption of the Borough Economic Regeneration Strategy 2019-2023.  It was noted that the views of the Council’s key economic partners and individual local businesses would be sought during the eight week consultation period in October/December 2018 and that it was anticipated that the new Strategy would be formally adopted in the next municipal year.

RECOMMENDED:  That the consultation draft of the Borough Economic Regeneration Strategy 2019-2023 be approved for the purposes of local consultation.

The report proposes a range of economic development initiatives to be funded by the Business Rates Retention Pilot.

The report of the Chief Executive sought endorsement of a range of economic development initiatives to be funded from the Housing and Commercial Growth Fund element of the West Kent Partnership Business Rates Retention Pilot scheme.

RECOMMENDED:  That Cabinet be commended to endorse the economic projects for West Kent as a whole and those for Tonbridge and Malling as set out at paragraphs 1.1.3 and 1.1.4 of the report. 

* Referred to Cabinet

The report provides an update on progress with the illustrative masterplan for Innovation Park Medway and seeks to approve next steps.

(Due to its size the Masterplan Statement – Interim Draft (Annex 2) is attached as a supplement to the main agenda.)

Decision Notice D180052MEM

The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on progress with the illustrative masterplan for Innovation Park Medway promoted by Medway Council and advised that, as an area of the site fell within the Borough, the agreement of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council was required to progress the comprehensive development.  It was noted that a six week consultation on the indicative masterplan would be undertaken between 17 September and 28 October 2018 and anticipated that the revised plan would be reported to Cabinet in January 2019 with a view to adopting it for the purposes of economic development and marketing.

RECOMMENDED:  That the draft of the Innovation Park Medway indicative masterplan be approved for consultation.  

The report advised of the MHCLG’s prospectus in respect of 75% business rates retention pilots and set out bid proposals for the 2019/20 pilot.

Decision Notice D180053MEM

The joint report of the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance and Transformation set out the background to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) invitation to local authorities to submit bids to participate in the Business Rates Retention Pilots 2019/20 which would allow 75% Business Rates Retention to promote financial sustainability and support strategic decision making across a functional economic area.  It was noted that the Kent Council Leaders across Kent and Medway supported the submission of the bid for a further year of pilot status.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)     a bid, with other Kent authorities, for pilot status under the 75% Business Rate Retention Prospectus for 2019/20, be supported; and

(2)     the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance and Transformation, in liaison with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, be authorised to ‘sign off’ the final bid submission. 

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.