Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill

Contact: Democratic Services  Email: committee.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Link: View Meeting

Items
No. Item

ERG 21/8

Declarations of interest pdf icon PDF 3 KB

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

Minutes:

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

ERG 21/9

Minutes pdf icon PDF 194 KB

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 17 February 2021

Minutes:

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board held on 17 February 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

ERG 21/10

Presentation: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 Crisis pdf icon PDF 84 KB

The presentation provides an update on the Economic Impact of the Covid-19 Crisis

Minutes:

Members received a comprehensive update on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the local economy. 

 

Particular reference was made to the national economic outlook, Covid-19 rates in the Borough, the impact of Covid-19 on local businesses, unemployment in the Borough, the local jobs market, supporting the local economy and plans for the road to recovery.  During discussion, reference was made to the shortage of available labour to support the local farming economy and the West Kent Kickstart Programme which supports youth employment through 6-month placements with local businesses.

Matters for Recommendation to the Cabinet

ERG 21/11

Update on the Borough Economic Recovery Strategy Action Plan pdf icon PDF 136 KB

The report provides an overview of the progress made in delivering the Borough Economic Recovery Strategy Action Plan 2021-23 since its adoption and recommends small amendments to the action plan.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Decision Notice D210044MEM)

 

The report of the Chief Executive provided an overview of the progress made in delivering the Borough Economic Recovery Strategy Action Plan 2021-23 since its adoption and proposed a number of small amendments to the action plan.

 

Despite the additional work required in managing the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Borough Council had made good progress in addressing some of the priority actions set out in the Economic Recovery Strategy Plan which was approved in November 2020.  Details of progress made in delivering the Action Plan were set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

RECOMMENDED: That

 

(1)             the contents of the report be noted; and

 

(2)             permission to carry out minor amendments to the action plan, as set out at paragraph 1.3.1 of the report, be approved so that it can more accurately reflect the future activities of the Borough Council.

 

ERG 21/12

Shopfront Improvements Scheme pdf icon PDF 145 KB

This report provides an update on and sets out proposed next steps for the Shopfront Improvement Schemes run over the past couple of years to support local independent businesses and help improve the look and feel of town and local centres. 

Minutes:

(Decision Notice D210045MEM)

 

The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on and set out proposed next steps for the Shopfront Improvement Schemes run by the Borough Council over the past couple of years to support local independent businesses and help improve the look and feel of town and local centres.

 

Lessons learnt from the Town and District Shopfront Improvement Scheme had been applied to the Local Centres and Parades scheme launched in September 2019.  There would be a focus on renewed efforts to promote the scheme in the coming months to help increase take up following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

 

RECOMMENDED:  That

 

(1)             an additional promotional exercise be undertaken in May/July 2021 to encourage uptake;

 

(2)             taking into consideration the complications related to Covid-19 restrictions, an extension to the Local Centres and Parades Scheme until 30 September 2021 be agreed; and

 

(3)             in anticipation of a high level of demand, an additional £20,000 be provisionally allocated from the Business Rates Retention Pilot reserve to the Local Centres and Parades Scheme.

ERG 21/13

Green Business Grants Scheme pdf icon PDF 235 KB

This report follows on previous reports on the Business Rates Retention Pilot Programme and sets out the next steps in bringing forward a Green Business Grants Scheme to be launched in 2021.

Minutes:

(Decision Notice D210046MEM)

 

Further to previous reports on the Business Rates Retention Pilot Programme the report brought forward details of the Green Business Grant Scheme to be launched in July 2021.  The report detailed the two intended elements to the scheme and the proposed next steps.

 

During discussion it was suggested that, if possible, it would be useful if the Advisory Board could be involved in the decision-making process.

 

RECOMMENDED:  That

 

(1)             the contents of the report be noted;

 

(2)             delivery of a Green Business Grant Scheme be approved with a view to launching this initiative before the end of June 2021; and

 

(3)             authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property and the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration to determine applications for the Green Business Grant Scheme.

 

Matters for consideration in Private

ERG 21/14

Exclusion of Press and Public pdf icon PDF 4 KB

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.

 

Minutes:

There were no items considered in private.