Agenda item

*O&S 60          

The Lead Hub Member for Thriving Economy introduced the report that provided the Committee with an update on current projects, each project being reviewed in turn.

TE1.1:    It was highlighted that the marketing plan was constantly measured against performance and the project would require a holistic aim.  It was confirmed that the team were working closely with business improvement with the aim of getting all commercial units occupied.

TE1.2:    Progress on this project was noted as good, with thanks given to the officer.

TE1.3:    Following discussion as to the recommendation to merge this project with TE1.1 for the next fiscal year, it was agreed that the decision to merge or not should remain with the officer and Hub Lead for Economy.

TE1.4:    It was advised that the eco museum would be online by the end of the month, and a consultation porthole was hoped to be in place before the end of the financial year.  An explanation of an eco museum was given. 

TE1.5:    It was detailed that the LGA (Local Government Association) had termed this project as trail blazing and path finding.  The Broadband officer was working on enhanced engagement with the farming community.

TE1.6:    All industrial estates had been visited and a subsequent database being developed.  It was noted that a glossary of terms was required.

TE1.9:    The Committee was informed that more activities would be coming forward over the next couple of months.  It was confirmed that CCTV in Tavistock was the responsibility of the Town Council.  The Officer confirmed she would send round the BID’s regular reports and the address of their website.

TE1.10:  It was outlined that there was significant activity in Okehampton, including a potential BID.  The needs of the town and outlying hamlets had been identified over the last year, with Okehampton Town Council having agreed to go forward with a feasibility study, with the inherent cost split 50:50 with the Council.

TE1.11:  It was confirmed that monies had not been awarded in tranche one. Tranche two would open in April 2022, with submission required in June 2022.  Following discussions with Devon County Council and Sustrans, it was hoped that Members would approve another application to tranche two.  This application would need to include an element of cycling.

TE1.12:  As the fund’s opening had been delayed, this project was moved to year two of the corporate strategy.  The Council had reached out to external stakeholders and had been approached by National Trust.  Projects were being developed so that they would be ‘shovel ready’ when the grant applications opened.

The Committee thanked the Lead Hub Member and the officers for their work and noted that they had come a long way in a short space of time.

It was then RESOLVED that:

1.    the Overview and Scrutiny Committee NOTED the progress of the Thriving Economy Delivery Plan; and

2.    the Committee had made a series of recommendations (as set out in the minutes above) to the Thriving Economy Advisory  Group on areas for further exploration.