Agenda and minutes

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2018 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Lead Members to update the Committee on the progress of their Panels (10 mins)

Council Tax Support Scheme

Councillor Baverstock reported that Cabinet at its meeting on 5 December had endorsed the Committee’s recommendationon the Review of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2019-20 for submission, with a full report and draft scheme, to Council on 23 January 2019.

Parking Panel

Councillor Baverstock advised the Committee that she would meet with the Head of Planning Policy in January to consider the main issues and how they could be taken forward to influence the next Local Plan.

Audit Panel

Councillor Neal reported that the last meeting of the Audit Panel was held on 10 December 2018 where they discussed resource pressures within the Audit team and how this was being addressed.

The future of hospitals in Andover and Romsey

Councillor Baverstock advised the Committee that she would produce a proposed scope in the New Year for a review to look at the future of hospitals in Andover and Romsey.

Round table discussion on the future of the High Street

A round table discussion had been held before the Committee on the future of High Streets in Test Valley.  It was suggested that a panel be set up to;

·  Consider the changing nature of retail and the effect this would have on the future vitality of our town centres in Test Valley.

·  Gather evidence about predictions for the future of retail and examine good practice from elsewhere.

·  Hold a workshop to gather views/evidence from stakeholders and the community on the future of the high street.

·  Consider what key documents and policies, such as the new Local Plan, Corporate Plan and Corporate Action Plan, can do to respond.

Resolved:

That a panel be set up to review how emerging policies could influence and develop High Streets across the Borough.

To update the Committee on the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy (20 minutes)

The Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Holder explained that the Test Valley Economic Development Strategy Action Plan (TV EDSAP) set out clear priorities for economic growth across the Borough.  The Action Plan also recognised the importance of tourism and highlighted the strong links with the Corporate Plan and engagement with businesses across the Borough.

The TV EDSAP focused on 10 major themes and did not seek to encompass all of the day-to-day operational economic development activity undertaken by the Council. The Economic Development Officer briefly summarised the report saying that most of the 10 actions related to improving aspects of productivity whether place-based, the use of procurement or through greater innovation. The very varied nature and complexity of the 10 Actions meant that the degree of progress towards attaining them in the 6 months since the Action Plan was approved, differed. 

Members discussed getting the balance right to ensure that the themes work together.

The Andover BID was also discussed and members hoped that businesses would use the BID to help with the town’s future vitality.

The Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio holder explained that he would welcome the Committee considering opportunities for future skills training funding.

Resolved:

That the delivery of the Test Valley Economic Development Strategy Action Plan be considered and endorsed.

To enable Members to keep the Committee’s future work programme under review (10 minutes)

The Policy Manager would bring a report to the Committee on 20 February 2019 on the emerging Corporate Plan.  The Annual review of the Corporate Action Plan scheduled for 24 April would be deleted, in view of this.

Resolved:

That the future work programme be approved.