Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 March 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 March 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were none.

The Chair, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

To consider any issues raised by ward councillors in accordance with Standing Order 34.2

At the time of publication of this agenda no ward issues were received.

There were none.

The committee are asked to

1)    Agree that an Investment Plan is developed

2)    Agree to set up a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group and agree the draft terms of reference

3)    Recommend that a final report on the Investment Plan is submitted to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for decision on 11 July 2022.

The Committee considered a report on the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the suggested areas of focus, a proposal for formation of a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group, and a request to submit an Investment Plan to a future Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting.

The Group Head of Regeneration and Growth explained that Spelthorne Borough Council had been allocated £1 million to spend over three years through the Shared Prosperity Fund. The government had suggested areas of focus for spending, and opportunities were currently being investigated for joint bids alongside other district and borough councils. She also requested a Task Group be formed to review suggestions for allocation of the funds and presented Draft Terms of Reference and membership for the group which would consist of chairs and vice-chairs of all committees as the areas of spend could cross various Council services.

The Committee requested further clarification on funding streams and if the Shared Prosperity Fund would be supplemental to these. The Committee noted the timeline for the funds to be committed for use and suggested that unsuccessful requests for Additional Restrictions Grants be put forward if they complied with the requirements.

The Chairman proposed that the current Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee act as Chair for the recommended Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group. This was agreed by the Committee.

The Committee resolved to:

1)    Agree that an Investment Plan is developed

2)    Agree to set up a Shared Prosperity Fund Task Group and agree the draft terms of reference

3)    Recommend that a final report on the Investment Plan is submitted to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee for decision on 11 July 2022.

To receive an update in relation to the Corporate Recovery Plan with reference to Economic Development.

The Committee received an update in relation to the Corporate Recovery Plan with reference to Economic Development.

The Economic Development Manager provided a summary of opportunities for employment and businesses in the borough and future recovery strategies.

The Committee noted the borough’s proximity to Heathrow airport and the impact this had on employment as well as the lack of public transport links to the airport from within the borough. The Committee requested further information on how social media and communications were being utilised to engage public and businesses regarding employment initiatives. The Economic Development Officer outlined the future plans for communications and social media and provided an update on social media engagement.

The Committee resolved to note the update in relation to the recovery plan.

To receive an update in relation to the allocation of Additional Restrictions Grant funding to businesses within the borough.

The Economic Development Manager provided an overview of the distribution of the Additional Restrictions Grants and how they were allocated to businesses. He explained that all grants had been distributed, and a survey would be done of recipients to demonstrate how Spelthorne supported businesses within the borough. He wished to place his thanks on record to the members of the task group, and this was reiterated by the Chairman of the committee.

The Vice-Chairman requested that feedback from the exercise be added to a future meeting agenda. This was agreed by the Committee.

The Committee resolved to note the update in relation to the allocation of ARG funding to businesses within the borough.

To receive a verbal updated on the Surrey Delivery Board.

The committee received a verbal update on the Surrey Delivery Board in relation to Economic Development.

The Group Head of Regeneration and Growth explained that Economic Development had been identified as an area of potential collaborative working, and provided a summary of meetings that had taken place across management teams to identify opportunities where value could be added by Surrey County Council. Meetings would continue to take place across districts and boroughs, and the Group Head of Regeneration and Growth offered to provide monthly updates on discussions to committee members.

The Committee resolved to note the verbal update on the Surrey Delivery Board.

To consider the Forward Plan for committee business.

The Committee considered the forward plan for future committee business.

The Economic Development Manager suggested the “6-Month Review of Additional Restrictions Grants” should be presented at the meeting scheduled for January 2023 to accommodate the survey of grant recipients. He also requested that a report from the Town Centre Manager should be added to the forward plan for September 2022.

The Committee suggested an item on the role of Enterprise M3/Local Enterprise Partnership be added to the forward plan, or be included in the discussion surrounding the Surrey Delivery Board at a future meeting. The Committee also requested a representative of Heathrow Airport be invited to the meeting in September 2022 to give a presentation.

The Committee resolved to note the forward plan subject to the additional items agreed at the meeting.

To consider any business deemed as urgent by the chair.

There was no urgent business to discuss.