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Meeting Details

Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel - up to 15 May 2022
2 Dec 2021 - 16:00 to 18:27
Scheduled
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Standard Items

**A pre meeting for Members to prepare for the Panel will take place 45 minutes before the meeting**


The Press and Public are welcome to attend for the
consideration of any items which are public.





Members of the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel

Councillor Brown (Chair), Councillors Mrs Bowman, Ms Ellis-Williams, Mrs Glendinning, Meller (Vice Chair), Mrs McKerrell, Mitchelson,  Paton.

Substitutes:

Councillors Alcroft, Atkinson, Bainbridge, Birks, Collier, Mrs Finlayson, Glover, Lishman, Mrs Mitchell, Morton, Patrick, Robson, Shepherd, Miss Sherriff, Southward, Sunter, Mrs Tarbitt, Dr Tickner, Tinnion, Miss Whalen.

Public Items
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutions
EGSP.67/21
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Lisa Brown and the Deputy Chief Executive.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registrable interests and any interests, relating to any items on the agenda at this stage.
EGSP.68/21
There were no declarations of interest submitted.
PUBLIC AND PRESS
To agree that the items of business within Part A of the agenda should be dealt with in public and that the items of business within Part B of the agenda should be dealt with in private.
EGSP.69/21
It was agreed that the items of business in Part A be dealt with in public and Part B be dealt with in private.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

To note that Council, at its meeting of 9 November 2021, received and adopted the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September and 21 October 2021.  The Chair will sign the minutes.
(Copy minutes in Minute Book 48(3)

EGSP.70/21
RESOLVED - It was noted that Council, at its meeting on 9 November 2021, received and adopted the minutes of the meetings held on 9 September and 21 October 2021.  The Vice Chair signed the minutes.
A.1 CALL-IN OF DECISIONS

To consider any matter which has been the subject of call-in.

 

EGSP.71/21
There were no items which had been subject of call-in.

Portfolio:

Cross Cutting

Directorate:

Economic Development

Officer:

Jane Meek, Corporate Director of Economic Development

Report:

Presentation

Background

Stewart Mounsey, Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency has been invited to attend and provide an update on FCRM programme for Carlisle and performance of defences in recent floods.

 

Why is this item on the agenda?

Agreed by the Chairs at their November 2021 work planning meeting that this report would be timely in light of recent adverse weather.

What is the Panel being asked to do?

Consider the presentation from the Environment Agency.

 

 

EGSP.72/21

The Vice Chair welcomed Mr Mounsey and Mr Lawton from the Environment Agency, and Mr Coyle from Cumbria County Council to the meeting.

Mr Mounsey gave a presentation to the Panel which gave a recap of the Carlisle phases of flood defences; a progress update on Phase 1 and 2 and set out the proposals for Phase 3.  He highlighted recent floods and the performance of the flood defences and set out the future programme.

In considering the presentation Members raised the following comments and questions:

- The Panel raised concerns regarding Phase 3.  There were no timescales or funding for the phase and Members felt strongly that those living in the area needed reassurances that the phase would progress.

Mr Mounsey highlighted the Caldew River defences which were in place and that the biggest event had taken place in 2012.  The original proposal for phase 3 would not have provided the appropriate long term protection that was required for the area and therefore it had not been feasible at that time.  The previous options were now being revisited as they had become more viable.  He drew the Panel's attention to the updated funding calculator for flood risk management projects which applied to projects after April 2021.  As a result of this the Environment Agency had applied for funding for a feasibility study to identify a wider range of options for managing flood resilience in the Caldew Corridor.  Phase 3 would require stakeholder and partner engagement across a more significant scale than required for phases 1 and 2.  

He added that the Environment Agency wanted to establish a group to support engagement between local communities and key stakeholders.

- A Member reminded the Panel of the history of issues in the Willowholme area and felt that the residents and businesses in that area would require clarity on where they were in the process and they would need reassurance about the future safety of their homes and properties.

- The Panel discussed the process of preparing a feasibility study to secure funding and how this could be better articulated to residents.  

The Corporate Director of Economic Development suggested that a meeting be set up between key Members, Ward Members and the Environment Agency to explain the technical details and establish a community group.

- A Member also commented on Phase 3 and the major concerns that residents and business owners had, it was felt that the situation had not progressed in the last 6 years.  Some of the businesses in the Shaddongate area had flooded twice and there was a real risk to the economy that a further flood would mean that those business did not return to the area.  He felt strongly that there needed to be some real action and timescales established. 

Mr Mounsey explained that some of the previous options had not been sustainable in terms of climate change predictions.  He agreed there needed to be strong community engagement in the business case.  Once the business case had been signed off by the Environment Agency the funding process would begin.  The timescales that were available were only tentative at this stage.

-A Member commented that resident at Etterby Terrace had felt abandoned.

Mr Lawton explained that the Environment Agency were constrained by the small number of properties and options were being considered for the area and the impact of those options.

- The Panel asked for clarity with regard to the line in the presentation which highlighted adaptation in the city questioning the need to move certain forms of development.

Mr Mounsey assured the Panel that the Environment Agency advised on proposed developments.  The Corporate Director of Economic Development added that the Environment Agency were consulted on developments, she explained that some developments also included flood resilience measures where appropriate.

-The presentation stated that there was no community emergency responses groups, however there were groups in the rural areas.  

The Corporate Director of Economic Development acknowledged that there was resilience in the rural area however this had broken down in the city.  A lot of people had been involved in higher plans rather than community resilience.  This would be a new group established to engage with local people.  She asked that any proposals for the group to be sent to her.

- Had any upstream management taken place?

Mr Mounsey responded that upstream management was part of the long term adaptation plan.  He commented that the River Eden presented a challenge, however, there were several community examples that worked well but Carlisle required a much greater scale and it was a major challenge.

- The Panel asked for Members and Parishes to receive regular updates on how the existing defences provided protection in times of severe weather.

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder commented that he had thought that the original funding which had been in place for 2015 - 21 had covered all three phases of Carlisle.  He asked if this had changed?

Mr Mounsey responded that he was happy to discuss the funding with Members.

RESOLVED - That the presentation from the Environment Agency be noted.

A.3 BUDGET 2022/23

Portfolio:

Finance, Governance and Resources, Culture, Heritage and Leisure, Communities, Health and Wellbeing and Environment and Transport

Directorate:

Finance and Resources

Officer:

Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources

Report:

Members are reminded that the Budget reports were circulated to all Scrutiny Members on 12 November 2021. Members are asked to bring the relevant budget reports to the meeting.
Page numbers listed in item A.3 refer to the Budget Book


Revenue Budget Reports:

(a) Budget Update - Revenue Estimates 2022/23 to 2026/27

Report: RD.46/21

Officer: Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources

Background:
To consider new revenue spending pressures and reduced income projections which fall within the area of responsibility of this Panel:

Planning Services Reserve

Pages 3, 12, 20, 24

Economic Recovery Reserve

Pages 3, 12, 20, 26

District Centre Business Support Fund

Page 7

Developer Contributions

Page 8

Building control reserve

Pages 12, 20, 23

Section 106 & Other Bonds

Pages 13, 28

Developer Contributions - Carlisle Southern Relief Road

Page 17

Rural Services Delivery Grant

Page 17

Conservation Reserve

Page 23

City Centre Reserve

Page 23





(b) Individual Charges Reviews –

Background:
To consider and comment on the review of charges in respect of the following areas which fall within the area of responsibility of this Panel:

Community Services

Report: CS.37/21

Officer: Darren Crossley, Deputy Chief Executive

City Centre

Pages 30, 36

Car Parking

Pages 31, 34, 37-40

Tourist Information Centre

Pages 33, 47


Economic Development

Report: ED.39/21

Officer: Jane Meek, Corporate Director of Economic Development

Planning Services

Pages 56, 60

Building Control Income

Pages 57, 58, 61

Building Control Discretionary Charges

Pages 57, 58, 61

Investment & Policy Income

Pages 57, 62


(c) Revised Capital Programme 2021/22 and Provisional Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2026/27

Report: RD. 4721

Officer: Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources

Future High Street Fund

Pages 120, 121, 122, 126

Carlisle Southern Relief Road

Pages 120, 121

Towns Deal – Bitts Park Improvements

Page 126

Carlisle Citadel

Page 126

Towns Deal - Caldew Riverside

Page 126

Affordable Home (S.106)

Page 126


Background:
To consider the capital spending which falls within the area of responsibility of this Panel:

Why are these items on the agenda?
Annual scrutiny as part of the Budget process

What it the Panel being asked to do?

Scrutinise the reports and provide feedback to the Executive.

EGSP.73/21

The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources submitted the annual budget reports, noting that the Panel’s consideration marked the beginning of the process for setting and approving the Council’s Budget. 

Portfolio:

Economy, Enterprise and Housing

Directorate:

Economic Development

Officer:

Jane Meek, Corporate Director of Economic Development

Report:

ED.32/21 herewith

Background:

The Corporate Director of Economic Development to provide further detail as to progress made in preparing the Business Case for a Development Corporation style delivery vehicle over the next two years.

 

Why is this item on the agenda?

Confirmed by the Chair at the November 2021 work planning meeting,


What is the Panel being asked to do?

1. Note progress made to date in preparing the Development Corporation Business Case and the programme for taking it forward over the next 2 years;
2. 
Consider and comment upon the Draft Aims and Objectives for the new Delivery Vehicle, set out at paragraphs 2.4 and 2.5. 

 

EGSP.78/21
The Head of Planning Policy presented an update on the progress made to date in preparing the Business Case for a development corporation style delivery vehicle over the next two years (ED.32/21).

The Head of Planning Policy gave a brief overview of the background to the St Cuthbert's Garden Village (SCGV).  He highlighted a report which had been considered by the Executive in October 2021 which reported that the Council's Expression of Interest to government had been successful and had been awarded £750,000 to fund the preparation of a Business Case over the next two years. 

The Business Case would explore a suitable, public / private partnership delivery vehicle for SCGV and allow the Council to:
• Investigate the business case for a new Parks Trust to implement the strategic green infrastructure, including a healthy capital assessment;
• Procure appropriate support to develop a governance and finance structure, based on public/private partnership;
• Further landowner engagement, to create formal partnerships where required and identify areas for intervention as necessary;
• Detail financial viability and infrastructure work to assess delivery costs and understand where intervention is necessary and the benefits that cancould result;
• Promote St Cuthbert’s as a location for investment;
• Investigate the potential for an energy company and other climate change initiatives;
• Secure additional project management and design support.

To deliver greater efficiencies, monies from separate 2021/22 Housing Capacity Funding had been 'pooled' where there were clear overlapping outputs that would inform both the emerging Local Plan and Business Case. 

The Head of Planning Policy set out how Development Corporate Business Case was progressing and the emerging draft objectives.

In considering the report Members raised the following comments and questions:

- A Member felt strongly that it was important that the City Council remained involved in the programme to ensure there was an holistic approach to the development.

The Corporate Director of Economic Development agreed that it was important for the Council to remain involved in the Village to ensure that the aspirations were achieved.  This development corporation had not been established in the traditional manner and was a hybrid development corporation which engaged with developers and stakeholders.


- The report set out a lot of groups who were involved, how would they all work together and what was the reporting structure?

The Corporate Director of Economic Development responded that the Head of Planning Policy had prepared a diagram of the overall structure which would be circulated to the Panel.  She had hoped to keep the number of groups to a minimum, however, government needed assurance that the governance arrangements were in place and the diagram set the arrangements out.

- The Panel asked for the notes of the Members Advisory Group (MAG) to be circulated to them.  

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder acknowledged the vast amount work that the team had undertaken and highlighted the importance of the MAG to the work.

- How would the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) affect the work?

The Corporate Director of Economic Development informed the Panel of her role in the LGR work and that the Garden Village had been established as a key work stream.  Each authority involved in the LGR would be kept updated on the progress made.

In response to a question the Head of Planning Policy stated that the Development Corporation Business Case had to be completed by June 2023, the corporation would then need to be passed by parliament depending on the model implemented.

RESOLVED - 1) That the Panel noted progress made to date in preparing the Development Corporation Business
Case and the programme for taking it forward over the next 2 years (ED.32/21);

2) The Corporate Director of Economic Development circulate the following information to the Panel:
            -  a diagram of the overall structure of the Development Corporation;
            - 
the notes of the Members Advisory Group

Portfolio:

Environment and Transport / Economy, Enterprise and Housing

Directorate:

Economic Development

Officer:

Jane Meek, Corporate Director of Economic Development

Report:

ED.40/21 herewith

Background

Background:
The Corporate Director of Economic Development to submit a report on the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan which had
been commissioned to define and plan recommended investment in the future transport network and coordinate connectivity.

 

Why is this item on the agenda?

Confirmed by the Chairs at their November 2021 work planning meeting.


What is the Panel being asked to do?

Consider the contents of the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan and provide feedback on the strategy, vision and objectives set out therein.


 

EGSP.79/21
The Regeneration Manager provided an overview of the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan (ED.40/21).

The Regeneration Manager reported that the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan (T&M Plan) had been commissioned to define and plan recommended investment in the future transport network and co-ordinate connectivity.  The T&M Plan would support the successful delivery of the recently adopted Carlisle Economic Strategy and inform the development and implementation of regeneration projects that were being funded through the Borderlands Growth Deal, Town Deal and Future High Streets Fund programmes.

In considering the report Members raised the following comments and questions:

- How would the changes to the HS2 route affect Carlisle?

The Corporate Director of Economic Development explained that the HS2 trains would stop in Carlisle to split for Edinburgh and Glasgow.  This meant that the station had to have an extra long platform and this was included in the Station redevelopment.

- It was important that the routes throughout Carlisle were safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
 
The Corporate Director of Economic Development responded that the safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists within the city was a very important part of the Plan.

- A Member commented that she felt there should be no more crossings added to Castle Way or Georgian Way.  A discussion ensued and it was felt that there should be some focus on how people travelling to schools were accommodated and how routes could be changed so school children did not have to come into the city centre.  A Member added that the routes from the city to the college were difficult for pedestrians and highlighted the underpass routes.

-It was felt that the bus station should be moved to create a transport interchange at the railway station where the car park and taxi rank would be.

The Corporate Director of Economic Development agreed that an interchange was desirable.  Engagement had taken place with Stagecoach and Cumbria County Council to look at the feasibility of this.

- It was admirable that the Plan emphasised walking and cycling, however, there needed to be a degree of realism about the local area.  Carlisle was a rural district with poor bus services and many people relied on cars.  There needed to be some focus on alternative public transportation such as electric buses and how public transportation moved throughout the city.

The Corporate Director of Economic Development acknowledged that there needed to be choices for people moving around the city including public transport.  The Plan looked at getting people where they needed to be in the most sustainable way.

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder stated that the Plan was critical to the City infrastructure and future developments.  

The Regeneration Manager added that the aim of the Plan was to provide a balanced network for all users in a synchronised way, it was a strategic plan to look at everything holistically.

- A Member noted that the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel had scrutinised the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan at their meeting and had an interesting discussion.  He asked how the School Sustainable Travel Strategy could be built into the infrastructure to move forward.  There were several safety issues around schools and it was important that every child was protected.

The Corporate Director of Economic Development responded that there needed to be a range of options for people to safely reach their destination.

The Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder agreed that public transport was often missed in discussions and it was vital that it was included in this work.  The Station development was a huge opportunity to develop a hub for all transport.

RESOLVED - That the Panel had considered the contents of the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan and had provided feedback on the strategy, vision and objectives set out therein (ED.40/21).

Portfolio:

Finance, Governance and Resources

Directorate:

Community Services

Officer:

Gary Oliver, Policy and Performance Officer

Report:

PC.39/21

Background:
The Policy and Communications Manager to submit the quarter 2 performance 2021/22 against current Service Standards and a summary of the Carlisle Plan 2021-23 actions as defined in the Plan.  Performance against the Panel’s 2021/22 Key Performance Indicators are also included.

Why is this item on the agenda?

Quarterly performance monitoring report.

 

What is the Panel being asked to do?

Scrutinise the performance of the City Council with a view to seeking continuous improvement in how the Council delivers its priorities.

EGSP.80/21
The Policy and Performance Officer submitted the Quarter 2 2021/22 performance against the current Service Standards and a baseline position for the Carlisle Plan 2021-23 actions as defined in the Plan (PC.39/21). Performance against the Panel’s 2021/22 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were included as a dashboard.

The Policy and Performance Officer highlighted the summary of exceptions and the reason for the performance.

in response to a question the Policy and Performance Officer reported that the most recent quarterly performance showed a reduction in demand for building control services and an improvement in performance.

RESOLVED - That the Panel had scrutinised the performance of the City Council with a view to seeking continuous improvement in how the Council delivers its priorities (PC.39/21).
A.7 Pdf OVERVIEW REPORT (186Kb)

Portfolio:

Cross Cutting

Directorate:

Cross Cutting

Officer:

Rowan Jones, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

Report:

OS.28/21 herewith

Background:

To consider a report providing an overview of matters related to the work of the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel.

 

Why is this item on the agenda?

The Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel operates within a Work Programme which is set for the 2021/22 municipal year.  The Programme is reviewed at every meeting so that it can be adjusted to reflect the wishes of the Panel and take into account items relevant to this Panel in the latest Notice of Executive Key Decisions.

 

What is the Panel being asked to do?
Note the items within Panel remit on the most recent Notice of Executive Key Decisions
Note the current Work Programme.




EGSP.81/21
The Overview and Scrutiny Officer presented report OS.28/21 providing an overview of matters relating to the work of the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel.

The Panel asked that the Citadels Project be brought to a future meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED - 1) That the Overview Report incorporating Key Decision items relevant to the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel be noted (OS.28/21). 

2) That the Citadels Project be added to the Panel's work programme.
Exempt Items

-NIL-

Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: 
committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk

Attendance

Name
No other member attendance information has been recorded for the meeting.
NameReason for Sending ApologySubstituted By
Councillor Lisa Brown Councillor Colin William Glover
NameReason for AbsenceSubstituted By
Councillor John Paton  

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

Visitors

Also Present: Councillor J Mallinson, Leader
                        Councillor Ellis, Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder
                        Councillor Nedved, Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder
                        Councillor Christian, Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder
                        Mr Mounsey, Area Flood Risk Manager, Environment Agency
Mr Lawton, Partnership & Strategic Overview Flood and Coastal Management, Environment Agency
                        Mr Coyle, Manager of Flood and Development Management, Cumbria County Council

Officers:     Corporate Director of Finance and Resources
                    Corporate Director of Economic Development
                    Neighbourhood Services Manager
                    Head of Planning Policy
                    Health and Wellbeing Manager
                    Regeneration Manager
                    Policy and Performance Officer
                    Overview and Scrutiny Officer

Councillor Meller (Vice Chair) chaired the meeting in Councillor Brown’s absence.