Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report and advised that:

·  There was an overspend of £108,000 and the end of year overspend was expected to be £92,000 relating to the Committee’s remit. The overspend was mainly due to less planning applications, particularly major, being submitted reducing the planning fee income generated. It was noted that this would likely change in the next municipal year should the next iteration of the Local Plan be adopted; and

·  Overall, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were being met. The ‘Town Centre Footfall’ (TCF) KPI had achieved significantly less than targeted. The Council did not own the town centre, which contributed to the creation of the Town Centre Strategy, with the role of the area in supporting the economic growth, increasing visitor numbers and providing employment opportunities.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member advised that he was working with the Information and Analytics Manager on improving the KPIs measurement used for TCF. Further details could be provided in future reports on the processing of planning applications.

The Information and Analytics Manager stated that around half of the open enforcement cases had been opened in the last nine months, with further information available online. The link would be circulated to the Committee outside of the meeting.

During the discussion, several Committee Members expressed that there was a range of factors affecting town centre footfall, in addition to those highlighted in the report. These included the departure of businesses that were not then replaced, resident safety and security and the difference in perception of the town centre as a place to visit between the rural and urban areas of the borough. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the points raised.

RESOLVED: That the following be noted

1.  The Revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2 for 2023/24, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant variances have been identified;

2.  The Capital position at the end of Quarter 2 for 2023/24;

3.  The Performance position as at Quarter 2 for 2023/24, including the actions being taken or proposed to improve the position, where significant issues have been identified;

4.  The Recovery & Renewal Update, attached at Appendix 3; and

5.  The UK Shared Prosperity Fund update, attached at Appendix 4.