Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2023 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 06 Jul 2023 were agreed as a correct record of proceedings.

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 their 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.

To consider changes to this Committee’s Terms of Reference and make recommendations to Council.

The Committee resolved to not make any amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference pending the outcome of the proposed changes to the  Committee System.

The Committee resolved to not make any amendments to the Committee’s Terms of Reference pending the outcome of the proposed changes to the  Committee System.

To receive an update on the Economic Prosperity Strategy and advise whether there are any areas of the strategy the Committee wish to request officers to undertake further work around.

The Committee resolved to note an update from the Economic Development Manager on the implementation of the 2023-2028 Economic Prosperity Strategy.

The Committee received an update from the Economic Development Manager (EDM) on the progress of the 2023-2028 Economic Prosperity Strategy that was adopted in January 2023.

The Committee asked the EDM to advise on the current situation in respect of the wish to include Staines within Zone 6 on the rail network. A public consultation had taken place with the majority of residents in favour but those living nearer to Staines Station expressed concerns about the increase in the number of cars parking around the station. The Committee were advised that talks had been held with both the South West Rail and Transport for London to demonstrate the financial benefit of including Staines but at this present time there was still no indication from South West Rail that they wished to invest in this project.

Committee resolved to note the update on the Economic Prosperity Strategy.

To review and provide feedback on the presentation and focus of the Economic Prosperity Strategy.

The Committee resolved to note the update.

The Committee considered the Economic Prosperity Strategy 2023-28 and provided feedback to the Economic Development Manager (EDM).

Concerns were expressed that the current issues surrounding the Local Plan may impact on the Economic Prosperity Strategy. The reference to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) needed to be amended to make it clearer that not all cars entering the zone would be subject to the ULEZ charge.

The Committee asked that the Local Procurement Limit be reviewed with a view to increasing the current limit of £5,000 but evidence would be needed to show that any rise would have a beneficial impact on businesses within the Borough.

The EDM advised that a Procurement Portal was in the process of being built and it was planned that this would be available to officers within the next two months. This portal would enable officers to view service providers throughout the Borough when looking to source local businesses. It was suggested that Members engaged with businesses to encourage them to register their business to be included on the portal.

The Committee resolved to note the update.

To receive a verbal update on the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Committee resolved to note the update on the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Group Head Place, Protection and Prosperity advised the Committee that the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) would cease from 31 March 2024. A decision was still needed as to whether the assets and functions of the LEPs would sit with Surrey County Council or whether they would become a stand alone company that were employed by Surrey County Council. The Committee were advised that how the EM3 LEP would be split was still under discussion.

The Committee were advised that the LEPs still had residual money that they were looking to distribute and had asked that Local Authorities identify any projects that they could put forward for the next round of funding.

The Committee agreed that the Group Head Place, Protection and Prosperity would arrange for Surrey County Council’s Economic Development Team to give a presentation to the next meeting of the committee. Surrey County Council will be advised of the areas of concern that the committee had so that they could be included within the presentation. It was agreed that all members would be invited to attend the meeting.

The Committee resolved to note the update on the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership.

To consider the Forward Plan for committee business.

The Committee resolved to note the Forward Plan for the business of this Committee.

The Committee requested that an item be added to the Forward Plan to review the current Contract Standing Order that states:

“all items under the value of £5,000 must be purchased in Spelthorne if available (subject to best value considerations).

The Committee resolved to note the Forward Plan for the business of this Committee subject to the additional item as outlined above.