Agenda and minutes

Contact: Charlie Griffin 

Media

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Items
No. Item

1.

Declarations of interest

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None.

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 960 KB

To agree the minutes of the growth, infrastructure and housing select committee meeting 25 June 2020 as correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor R Newcombe informed members that the planning guidance appended to the minutes of the meeting 25 June did not specify the time limits for councillors to call-in a planning application to committee and as the document was not a whole guide it could be misleading to parish councils.

 

The minutes of the meeting 25 June were agreed as correct record.

3.

Covid-19 and local economic recovery

To receive a joint presentation on local economic recovery from Philippa Batting, Managing Director at Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) and Ian Barham, Partnership Manager at the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

To receive an update from cabinet members on Covid-19 and local economic recovery in Buckinghamshire.

Contributors:

Philippa Batting, Managing Director, BBF

Ian Barham, Partnership Manager, Bucks LEP

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council

Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration

Ian Thompson, Corporate Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received an update presentation on covid-19 and local economic recovery from the Leader of the Council and guest presenters Ian Barham, Partnership Manager at Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (Bucks LEP) and Philippa Batting, Managing Director at Buckinghamshire Business First (BFF). The following key points were highlighted:

 

·         The Buckinghamshire economy was predominantly made up of small – medium enterprises (SMEs) and key sectors included the creative industries and sports.

·         Buckinghamshire Council and key partners had worked hard throughout the pandemic to provide support to businesses, including financial support and advice.

  • Business grant funding amounting to £92m was made available to businesses in Buckinghamshire and £85m had been allocated by end of August 2020. In addition, discretionary grant awards totalled £4.45m.

·         Whilst some town centres were struggling, with fewer residents commuting into London some towns had experienced improved vibrancy. This had been supported by the licensing of pavements to enable businesses to provide outdoor hospitality services.

·         A local economic recovery plan would be delivered by the strong partnerships in Buckinghamshire. There were three phases of delivery to the plan: react, renew and rebound. It was estimated that the Bucks economy was in the latter half of the react phase.

·         The Buckinghamshire Local Industrial Strategy was to be reviewed due to changing context. Green growth had also been incorporated into the strategy.

·         New opportunities were arising in digital as people were adapting to new ways of working. Healthcare and education services have been able to be provided remotely.

·         Trade mark applications had increased which could be a sign of economic recovery.

·         An Innovation Centre was due to be opened at Westcott Venture Park.

·         A project was being piloted to support the reskilling of residents who had previously worked in the aviation industry.

·         BBF were the listening ears and helping hands for Bucks businesses, supporting all businesses including the self-employed who were especially at risk of unemployment at this time.

·         When the pandemic hit, Buckinghamshire Council employees temporarily moved over to work in BBF to help support businesses.

·         There had been incredible support from the Bucks business community when the pandemic hit, with businesses offering to make PPE.

·         Businesses had spent large amounts of money making their businesses covid-19 safe, which proved difficult against government guidelines that were constantly changing.

·         Some accommodation providers had experienced the best August they had ever had owing to UK holidaymaker ‘staycations’.

·         There were more start-ups registered in the county this year than previously, but it was unknown as to whether the figures included existing businesses that had changed their operating model.

·         Cabinet member for town centre regeneration, Councillor Steve Bowles, provided an update on town centre recovery and expressed thanks to officers for their hard work during the pandemic and transition to a unitary council.

 

A number of key questions were raised:

 

·         In response to a question raised as to the progress of implementing the High Wycombe Regeneration Strategy, members were advised that work was progressing and that the strategy was being reviewed in light of covid-19.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

4.

Housing allocations pdf icon PDF 590 KB

To receive a presentation on affordable housing from Julie Porter, Executive Director of Development at Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (VAHT).

To receive an update from the cabinet member on housing allocations in Buckinghamshire.

Contributors:

Julie Porter, Executive Director of Development (VAHT)

Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

Nigel Dicker, Service Director Housing and Regulatory Services

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Julie Porter, Executive Director of Development at the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (VAHT) gave a presentation to committee on the work of the Aylesbury Vale Housing Trust. The following key points were highlighted:

·         The trust was formed in 2006 and is a charity currently managing 7,661 homes.

·         VAHT has various grant schemes including a coronavirus support fund with grants of up to £4000 for community group and voluntary organisations; £67,899 has been awarded to 26 applicants to date.

·         VAHT’s development programme expects to deliver 100 homes this year.

·         The target was to provide 20% social rent for all new homes.

·         Staff inspect the quality of homes and developments, and VAHT were looking to bring older homes to higher standards.

 

In response to questions, a number of key points were raised:

 

·         In relation to the affordable rented tenure, it was noted that all rents were capped at the local housing allowance.

·         VAHT would like to increase investment in social rent.

·         Staff were assessing energy ratings of homes, and what heating provision could be provided in the future. VAHT were increasing the use of air source heat pumps in properties to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Councillor Isobel Darby, provided an update to members on housing allocations. In response to questions, a number of key points were raised:

 

·         The cabinet member would be looking at all models to provide affordable housing in liaison with the Cabinet Member for Property and Assets.

·         Work had commenced to review the existing Bucks Home Choice Allocations Scheme and to develop and adopt a new Buckinghamshire Council Allocations Scheme. Existing processes support residents without internet access and these processes would be taken forward into the new scheme.

·         Town and parish councils would be consulted on the new scheme.

·         The cabinet member was committed to look at ways to provide key worker housing.

 

Note 2: Councillor C Rouse re-joined the meeting at 11.54.

Note 3: Councillor D Barnes left the meeting at 12.27.

 

 

5.

Work programme pdf icon PDF 563 KB

To consider the draft work programme for 2020 – 2021.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

·       To approve the draft growth, infrastructure and housing select committee work programme 2020 – 2021 at appendix 1.

·       To note that the chairman, in consultation with the growth, infrastructure and housing select committee, may amend the work programme from time to time to account for any changes in the work and/ or priorities of the council 2020 - 2021.

 

6.

Date of next meeting

Thursday 26 November 2020.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

26 November 2020.