**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.
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.
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)
To consider any matter which has been the 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.
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.
Finance, Governance and Resources, Culture, Heritage and Leisure, Communities, Health and Wellbeing and Environment and Transport
Finance and Resources
Alison Taylor, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources
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
Conservation Reserve
Page 23
City Centre Reserve
(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
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
Investment & Policy Income
Pages 57, 62
(c) Revised Capital Programme 2021/22 and Provisional Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2026/27
Report: RD. 4721
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
Towns Deal - Caldew Riverside
Affordable Home (S.106)
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.
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.
Economy, Enterprise and Housing
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.
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.
Environment and Transport / Economy, Enterprise and Housing
ED.40/21 herewith
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.
Confirmed by the Chairs at their November 2021 work planning meeting.
Consider the contents of the Carlisle Transport and Movement Plan and provide feedback on the strategy, vision and objectives set out therein.
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.
Finance, Governance and Resources
Gary Oliver, Policy and Performance Officer
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.
Quarterly performance monitoring report.
Scrutinise the performance of the City Council with a view to seeking continuous improvement in how the Council delivers its priorities.
Rowan Jones, Overview and Scrutiny Officer
OS.28/21 herewith
To consider a report providing an overview of matters related to the work of the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel.
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.
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Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk