New Forest Borough Council Corporate Affairs and Local Economy Overview and Scrutiny Panel Meeting

RESOLVED:

That Cllr Craze be appointed Vice Chairman of the Panel.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2022 be confirmed and signed.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no public participation.

The Panel received updates from the portfolio holders on issues relating to their areas and on their performance dashboards.

Cllr E Heron

It was noted that Mr Brian Johnson (former Chairman of the Solent LEP), had been confirmed as the Chairman of the Solent Freeport.

The District Council Elections in May 2023 presented a complex challenge for the Electoral Services team, with the new ward boundaries, and the associated complications of operating the new and old electoral rolls simultaneously, together with the polling district review, and potential new requirements arising from the Elections Bill and voter ID.  Given the need for related communications for these new requirements, and to ensure resilience in the Elections team during this period, it had been agreed to provide additional temporary staff resource of £50k, to ensure the election was delivered successfully.   

It was explained that most of the Exxon Mobil operational site was outside the Freeport area. Exxon were considering how they could reduce their carbon impact, as well as investment in blue hydrogen.

Reference was made to the dashboard where it stated that infrastructure funds would no longer be received from the Solent LEP, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would be allocated to District Councils.  The Leader explained that this new arrangement was a more streamlined system.

It was suggested that certain parts of Pennington be considered as areas of deprivation. It was pointed out that there were many pockets of deprivation across the District  but these were not always easy to identify and target services. Use of the prosperity fund was being considered for such areas, but this depended on scale. The Freeport also gave the opportunity to address those areas having lower than average skills and to help people access to higher value employment.

Cllr J Heron

On commercial investment properties, it was noted that The Council’s development at Crow Lane, Ringwood was progressing well and would deliver good income when it was completed.

In answer to a question, the portfolio holder explained that one of the main foreseeable budget pressures was the reset of business rates. There were no immediate issues with the budget and the Council was generally well resourced with a good reserve, with a prudent, balanced budget.  Commercial property investment income was £1.3m and further opportunities were being identified.  The portfolio holder commented that the current 1 year Government settlement made it very difficult for a council to plan ahead, and a 3 year settlement would make it easier.

Cllr Harris

On the impact of Covid 19 on the local economy, the portfolio holder paid tribute to Ryan Stevens, Service Manager - Revenue and Benefits, for the swift and efficient administration of millions of pounds in business grants.

The Portfolio holder referred to the shortage of accommodation for workers in the District and hoped that the Freeport could in time assist with this.  

The portfolio holder was very supportive of the Shop Doctor Scheme, which was the subject of an item later on the agenda.

In respect of the dashboard item on the decline of high streets, reference was made to bank closures and what could be done to address these. Officers had been asked for further information, though it was noted that banks were private businesses and the Council had very little influence in the matter.  The portfolio holder undertook to discuss the matter of whether a meeting could be held with the banks and voluntary groups, outside of the meeting.    

The Panel received an update on current and emerging ICT workplan priorities. A copy of the slides used in the presentation are available in the agenda pack.

In answer to a question, it was confirmed that fingerprint and facial recognition for device access were being considered.

It was confirmed that the Council had a back - up server room data centre at Gosport, equipped with back - up emergency generators, as well as the server centre at Lyndhurst, also with additional power sources.

It was confirmed that the audio visual equipment replacement project for the council chamber was in hand, with a view to implementation by May 2023.

The Panel received a summary of works done under the Welcome Back Fund which finished on 31 March 2022.

It was requested that Lymington New Street be included in the water filling scheme. It was explained that a team had already undertaken an exercise to determine the best locations under tight procurement rules, but this location could be looked at for the future.

In response to a query concerning the footfall figures report being made available to members, it was noted that this would be provided to town and parish councils as well as District Councillors. This could also be made available to this Panel on a regular basis.  

Officers would pass on comments concerning the replacement of the Jubilee Trees in Efford way.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Panel received an update on the New Forest Shop Doctor Programme.

RESOLVED:

The report be noted.

The Panel noted a proposal to use £35,000 from the Covid 19 Hardship Fund to fund a Debt Supervisor for 2 years for Citizen Advice New Forest.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the Panel support the utilisation of government funding towards Citizens Advice New Forest of £35,000 to fund a Debt Supervisor for two years to build up resilience with debt advice to support our residents.

(b)  That the Council continues to work with our partners to explore further funding options and initiatives to support our communities.

The Panel received the report of the Film: New Forest Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations of the Film: New Forest Task and Finish Group be supported and noted.  

The Panel received and noted a presentation on the staff suggestion scheme. A copy of the slides is included in the agenda pack.   

It was noted that 11 suggestions had been received since March 2021, though this this did not include suggestions that had been raised through team meetings which 

may affect their own area.

Although many suggestions did not focus on efficiency savings, they did demonstrate  employee engagement and stimulated  conversations which may effect change.

It was suggested that those making suggestions be rewarded in some way or that a small award be presented, perhaps at an annual event, or that they be thanked by a senior member of staff.

RESOLVED:

That the Panel place on record their thanks to all staff who had participated in the scheme, and to those who operate it.  

The Panel considered its future work programme.

It was agreed that a report would be brought to the June meeting on vacancy rates and footfall in the high street.