Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council Economic, Planning and Housing Committee Meeting

Apologies received from Councillor McIntyre and Councillor Ashfield.

Councillor Robinson is replaced by Councillor Gaskell.

Councillor Ibrahim is replaced by Councillor Jones.

Councillor Godesen is replaced by Councillor K Watts.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no urgent matters.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 January 2024 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Leader introduced the report which set out the work carried out to date to help shape the development of a new future economy framework aimed at addressing the changing economic landscape and new council priorities.

The Economy and Place Marketing Manager and the Graduate Trainee presented the Committee with a number of emerging themes for discussion so that they could provide feedback for the Leader and Officers to consider in the development of the new framework. 

The Committee discussed the report and the presentation and made the following comments:

Local economy

• Stated that the Borough had a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs which the Council could support in relation to business rates.

• Acknowledged that Basingstoke was in a strong location and had good transport links and that there was not an overreliance on a single employer with a range of diverse businesses located in the Borough.

• Felt that the mix of urban and rural communities was an attracting factor for new residents and businesses.

• Stated that the broadband coverage and transport connectivity needed to be improved in the rural wards.

• Raised concern that the lack of housing and infrastructure was a barrier for improving the local economy.

• Acknowledged that there was an aging workforce which would cause a skills gap, and, in the future, there would be a greater demand for leisure and services.

• Made reference to the importance of ensuring the economic contribution from immigration and that it was important to ensure employees had good English language skills.

• Questioned whether the Council could work with larger companies to identify the gaps in skills and education and ensure that there was support for those who were economically inactive.

Supporting local businesses

The Committee raised a number of issues such as the fact that the borough was nearly at full employment and didn’t have a university as a higher education offer. Committee felt that due to these factors the Council had more of an “enabling role” where they could facilitate networking opportunities and forums for businesses and work with existing groups such as "Destination Basingstoke” to ensure that there was appropriate peer support available.

The Committee felt that it was important to ensure there was a diverse range of business types as this would result in a more resilient economy.

People and skills

• Suggested that the Council could assist employers by helping to identify any skills shortages and organising recruitment fairs.

Thriving places

• Stated the importance of a vibrant and welcoming town centre.

• Acknowledged that the Council had a strong financial position and that this could be promoted more in order to attract new businesses.

• Questioned whether a number of empty retail units could be used by independent businesses to create a more unique shopping experience.

• Suggested that the council review existing best practice from other authorities.

• Stated that more green spaces should be included in the town as these were important for residents quality of life.

• Suggested that the top of the town needed urgent regeneration.

• Raised the complex issues with rural economies.

Clean growth

• Stated that the cost of green technology was prohibitive for small businesses.

Inclusive Economy

• Suggested that the cost of childcare was a barrier for a number of families.

Resolved: The Committee provides its comments to the Leader.

The Chair introduced the work programme and gave a brief overview of the items that would be included on the agenda for the upcoming meetings.

The Chair confirmed that the Economic Growth Framework,Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, Town Centre and Basing View update would be brought to the June meeting.

The Chair advised that the item on regeneration would be brought to the Committee later in the year.