Agenda and minutes

To receive details of any Members appointed to attend the meeting instead of a Member of the Sub-Committee.

Councillor Griffiths for Councillor Mrs L. Hodgson and Councillor Lamb for Councillor Squires.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Sub-Committee.

None.

Of the meeting held on 2^nd February 2021 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th March 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1.   That the Sub-Committee notes the proposal to develop the post of Tourism and Events Officer to support the Council’s Covid-recovery plans; and

2.  That the Sub-Committee recommends to the Policy and Resources Committee that £50,000 is allocated to fund the post for one year from the Additional Restrictions Grant.

The Sub-Committee considered a report to approve funding for the post of Tourism and Events officer.

The Tourism and City Centre Manager presented the report and drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to paragraph 2.3 of the report which identified the role of the Tourism and City Centre Management Team prior to Covid-19.

The Sub-Committee were informed that the role of the Tourism and Events Officer (currently on a fixed-term contract) is pivotal to the success of a series of projects to encourage and enable people to visit the city as restrictions begin to be relaxed.  The specific role of the Tourism and Events Officer was highlighted at paragraph 3.4 of the report.

The preferred option is to extend the role this post for one year as part of the funding from the Additional Restrictions Grant and to review salary budgets during the year to identify funding to allow the post to be made permanent.  The annual cost for the post including on-costs is £50,000.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee:

1.   note the proposals to develop the post of Tourism and Events Officer to support the Council’s Covid-recovery plans; and

2.   recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that £50,000 is allocated to fund the post for one year from the Additional Restrictions Grant.

That the Sub-Committee:

1.   notes the proposal to develop the post of Skills Officer to support the Council’s Covid-recovery plans; and

2.   recommends to the Policy and Resources Committee that £50,000 is allocated to fund the post for one year from the Additional Restrictions Grant.

The Sub-Committee considered a report to approve funding for the post of Skills Officer.

The Economic Development Team Leader presented the report and drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to paragraph 2.3 of the report which outlined the themes for economic recovery as agreed with the County Council and all Worcestershire local authorities.

The Sub-Committee were informed that there were key challenges for the Council in providing support to businesses, both before the Covid pandemic and those that are emerging and or/expected as a result of the current context, these were highlighted at paragraph 2.5 of the report.

The Council’s support for Employment and Skills will be integral to the economic Covid recovery process over the next 12 months.  It was highlighted that the 2017-20 Employment and Skills Programme has been subject to an independent review and the findings will be reported at a future Committee.

The preferred option is to extend the role of Skills Officer for one year as part of the funding from the Additional Restrictions Grant and to review other budgets during the year to identify funding to allow this resource to be delivered. The annual cost for the post including on-costs is £50,000.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee:

1.   note the proposals to develop the post of Skills Officer to support the Council’s Covid-recovery plans; and

2.   recommend to the Policy and Resources Committee that £50,000 is allocated to fund the post for one year from the Additional Restrictions Grant.

That the Planning and Economic Development Sub-Committee consider the proposed content of the Planning and Economic Development Performance Scorecard for 2021/22.

The Sub-Committee considered the proposed committee scorecard for 2021/22, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Deputy Director – Economic Development and Planning presented the report and highlighted the main points, particularly new projects and those to be removed.  The Sub-Committee’s attention was also drawn to the annual KPI’s and in the particular skills items, which would be updated once the outcome of the Town Fund bid is known within context of the economic recovery plan.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the proposed content of the Planning and Economic Development Performance Scorecard for 2021/22.

Which in the opinion of the Chairman is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

Central Government Budget 2021 Announcements

Following a request from the Chair, the Managing Director updated the Sub-Committee on the recent budget announcements from Central Government.

Community Renewal Fund

This is a 1 year pilot which is 90% revenue.  The fund is open to all to make a bid, however 100 places have been identified as a priority place.  The application process will be managed by the County Council

Levelling Up Fund

Priority to be given to the areas of highest need.  The guidance suggests that the deadline for those bidding in round one is by the 18^th June. There would be subsequent rounds.

Community Ownership Fund

This is a smaller fund, not for Local Authorities but for community partner organisations.  Officers at the City Council to be the first point of contact if partners require advice.