Meeting documents

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive a presentation from Rupert Waters.

The Chairman welcomed Rupert Waters, Head of Economic Research at Bucks Business First to the meeting.  The survey had received 219 responses split evenly across both districts and covering most of the wards.  There had also been an additional telephone survey from 266 participants that had fed into the survey.  The data had been used to identify strengths and weaknesses across the districts and inform the Joint Business Plan.  The strategy would be used to support the aims of both Councils to create prosperous and diverse economies.

Both districts were found to have similar economies, with similar employment growth and pockets of deprivation.  Priorities for business focussed on transport (roads, parking and congestion), cost and availability of business premises and connectivity (5G, broadband and cable).  A SWOT analysis had been developed with 6 strategic objectives and proposed actions.

The need to improve connectivity had been identified.  Previously £100,000 had been match funded to provide 95% coverage with “superfast” broadband.  With improvements in technology, there was now a demand for “ultrafast” broadband.  BT had been responsible for the rollout but the next phase will include other providers including satellite options and fibre sources.

There was some concern that there was an overrepresentation of home based businesses in the survey.  It was agreed that participants were self-selecting but the findings were still considered significant, particularly with the inclusion of the telephone sample that was fully stratified and weighted.

With regard to availability of suitable commercial premises, it was noted that these locations were earmarked in the local plan but were under constant pressure for conversion to residential housing.

The Chairman thanked Rupert Waters for his presentation.

Following the presentation, members were invited to consider the proposed Economic Development strategy for Chiltern and South Bucks Councils 2017 -2026 and to note the initial action plan.

It was noted that at its meeting on 7^th February Cabinet had resolved that the strategy be adopted, subject to no changes being suggested during consultation with the Chiltern Services Overview Committee and South Bucks Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet meeting.

Members were advised that due to links with the emerging Local Plan, the Strategy was also referred to the Joint Planning Policy Member Reference Group which considered the strategy at its meeting on 8th March.  The Committee were advised that the Planning Policy Member Reference Group welcomed the strategy, there was general support and agreement with the findings, which would be used to inform the draft local plan, in addition they made the following comments:

a)         The Joint Planning Policy Member Reference Group welcomes and supports the Economic Development Strategy as part of the evidence base for the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan and that the Strategy objectives where relevant align with evidence base findings so far for the Local Plan.  As such the Economic Development Strategy would inform the draft Local Plan in due course.

b)         The Economic Development Strategy’s consideration of tourism in the Districts was particularly welcomed and Cabinets were encouraged to seek to develop this part of the Economic Development Strategy through any further reviews and engagement with local businesses and organisations where relevant.

c)         The Economic Development Strategy was supported as part of potential evidence for delivery of the Local Plan proposals and policies, themselves informed by the Economic Development Strategy.  For example helping to enable an Innovation Centre or the provision of incubation or business units.  The Joint Planning Policy Member Reference Group requested that when and if cabinets consider council scope for involvement in Bucks Advantage or other types of delivery vehicles that the potential for furthering Economic Development Strategy objectives and delivery of related parts of the Local Plan be taken into account.

d)         Future monitoring and updates of the Economic Development Strategy to be supported as the document needs to be kept up to date and justified if it is to continue to have weight in the consideration of planning decisions.

Members were informed that as a joint strategy, following consideration by its Cabinet, South Bucks Overview & Scrutiny Committee had received a presentation, and considered the strategy and action plan at its meeting the evening before, feedback was presented to the meeting, It was noted that the South Bucks committee welcomed the strategy and supported the views of the Joint Planning Policy Reference Group, in addition the Committee highlighted the following actions:

·         Encouragement of the most appropriate take up of telecoms, broadband and mobile connectivity by home based businesses

·         The need for better data infrastructure

·         The need to ensure that investment takes place in communications infrastructure of all kinds, (not just broadband)

·         The need for local employment and affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2017 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

The Committee considered the 28 day forward plan and decided that there were no additional items to be added at this time.

RESOLVED

To note the 28 day Notice for Cabinet and Chiltern and South Bucks Joint Committee.

The Joint Business Plan 2017-20 had been refreshed as part of the annual review process and followed a consultation with the Leaders and Informal Cabinets.  The changes included adoption of the new behaviours and values, the economic development strategy, air quality and homelessness.

RESOLVED

To recommend that Cabinet approve the refreshed business plan.

The policy and performance team had met with the Heads of Service to review the performance indicators (PI’s) to make sure that they were still relevant and useful.  The list of changes were set out in Appendix A, for example, the target for the percentage of household waste sent for reuse, recycling and composting had been reduced from 59% to 53% to be more realistic and in line with national targets.

RESOLVED

That the PI Review 2017/18 be noted.

The performance report for Quarter 3, October to December 2016 was considered by the Committee.  It was noted that the issues in ICT were exceptional due to the new shared service starting with vacant posts and long term sickness within the section at the same time as the migration of the two Councils onto the shared network and were not expected to recur.

RESOLVED

To note the performance reports for Q3 2016.

A further report had been requested by the Committee to investigate reasons for the reduction in recycling in the district.  Figures were provided to show monthly tonnages of waste collected.  It could be seen that the rates were seasonal, with more green waste collected during May and June.  It was reported that packaging had become lighter and there were less newspapers being purchased.  National recycling had also reduced from 44.8% in 2014 to 43.9% due to these trends.  The cumulative recycling rate to November was 53.7% which has remained approximately 10% above national averages. It was also noted that there had been a reduction in residual waste as well, so potential recycling had not been diverted to landfill.

Further communication plans were still being made to promote recycling, including pictorial information that can be stuck onto wheelie bins to help with recycling awareness.

RESOLVED

To note the update on recycling performance report.

A 3 year plan had been produced to build resilient communities assisting them identify their local needs and deliver local solutions. With increasing pressures on public funding communities need to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing and work to improving support. The plan supports the key objectives of the Council; to improve local economy, reduce inequalities, reduce crime (diversionary activities), develop community infrastructure and invest in local communities. 

 This plan builds on the work done over the last 15 years which has enabled many community led initiatives, including community run youth clubs (Chalfont St Peter won the Queens Award for voluntary services), Town Centre revitalisation (eg St Michaels forecourt in Amersham), Community Libraries, Play Areas, Nature Park and Credit Union. U3A started with funding from the Council but was now self-sufficient, providing a service for local residents.

It was noted that there was a success rate of approximately 70% for lottery bids that were made with help from the Council for funding local projects.

The aims had been agreed by the Communities, Health and Housing Policy Advisory Group and positive comments had been received.

With regard to activities for over 60’s, there was a request for exercise bikes in swimming pools as seen in Canada (aqua bikes).  These apply less pressure on joints but allow valuable exercise.  It was agreed that enquiries would be made with GLL to see if they were available in this country.

RESOLVED

To note and endorse the proposed Chiltern Community and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2020.