Agenda and minutes

It was reported that, under Regulation 13 of the Local Government Committee and Political Groups) Regulation 1990, Councillor R Parker was replacing Councillor Mrs J Killey for this meeting only.

There were no declarations of interest at this point in proceedings.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the reconvened meeting held on 25 October 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

·   Cllr H Spratt gave apologies for absence.

·   Correction of spelling

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 October 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

·   Cllr H Spratt gave apologies for absence.

·   Correction of typographical error.

The Chairman announced that the parking and costal tourism working group had been set up, as resolved at the previous meeting.

Councillor T Dyer, Support Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, made the following announcements:

·   Progress continued at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone. Phase I – the Council’s first innovation centre, ‘The Hub’, opened in September, and the first two business tenants had recently moved in.

·   Interest in the 27-acre phase II continued, including advanced discussions with businesses interested in purchasing land.

·   At Kirton Distribution Park in Boston Borough, two separate developers continued to undertake due diligence with a view to completing the purchase of phases II and III.

·   A tour of potential economic regeneration schemes, along with Councillors Butroid and Cllr Carrington and the Economic Infrastructure management had been conducted, which included a viewing of Boston Road Industrial Estate expansion in Horncastle. The estate was currently at capacity, and there was demand for up to a further nine acres.

·   Spitalgate Business Park in Grantham was also viewed as well as several other smaller sites, which were currently at the initial exploration stage.

·   Formal confirmation had been made in the Autumn budget that the national Made Smarter Programme had been extended, which would help small and medium sized manufacturing firms boost their productivity through advanced digital technology.

·   A successful bid for the region to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Create Growth programme saw £1.275m in grant funding coming to the area. Businesses will be supported to reach investors through pitching events and would be able to draw from a fund managed by Innovate UK.

·   An event to celebrate the success of the £370k Coastal Community Fund programme was to be held on 30 November 2022.

(To receive a report from Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, and Karen Seal, Principal Place and Investment Officer, which enables the Committee to review and comment on the achievements of the initial 2020-2022 Inward Investment Strategic Plan and investment objectives set out in the new two-year 2023-2025 Strategic Plan for Team Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to the report by Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, and Karen Seal, Principal Place and Investment Officer on the outcomes of the 2020-22 Inward Investment Plan and investment objectives set out in the 2023-25 Strategic Plan for Team Lincolnshire (TL).

The Principal Place and Investment Officer guided the Committee through the report, and the following was highlighted:

• 147 businesses had engaged with the Inward Investment Plan this year; this was an increased compared to 109 last year.
• TL had serviced 102 inward investment enquiries and a number of sector propositions had been developed to attract further inward investment across sectors
• TL had aided in generating 331 jobs.
• There was a particular focus on promoting place, agrifood, sustainability and defense moving forward.

The Head of Economic Development praised the collaboration between public and private sector partnerships with TL members in promoting Lincolnshire.

The Chairman clarified the acronyms MIPIM – The International Market for Real Estate Professionals, and UKREIIF – United Kingdom’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum.

During consideration of the report, the following was noted:

• Members expressed that the closure of Doncaster Airport could impact the strategic objectives of TL, and it was assured work was ongoing with West Lindsey to explore the potential viability of reopening it. The Principal Officer for Place and Investment acknowledged that the re-opening of the airport would aid businesses in its proximity and informed the Committee that TL was working with Doncaster airport on a potential development strategy.
• Benchmarking data for inward development was requested to compare the success of TL in a national context, as well as further information on the 102 Inward Investment enquiries received by TL. Officers confirmed a benchmarking exercise would be undertaken by the Inward Investment Team; information regarding investment enquiries would be limited due to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but it was assured that Lincolnshire was in the top ten counties in receipt of foreign direct investment (FDI) nationwide.
• The Head of Economic Development assured members that despite closures of agrifood companies in Lincolnshire, TL was part of the Lincolnshire growth hub and former staff had been supported in finding alternative employment.
• Members questioned whether TLs business plan was aligned with Lincolnshire County Councils (LCC) approach to solar farming, and Officers highlighted that the plan was environmentally conscious as it supported businesses willing to adopt decarbonization. The Chairman also highlighted there were multiple wind power national infrastructure projects (NIPs) being developed in Lincolnshire, and that the Committee was awaiting comments from the Planning Team.
• It was highlighted that there was a potential to digitalize agricultural machinery to aid in achieving strategic objectives, and Officers assured that intelligence, information and satellite activity were a focus of TL, and relevant work had been undertaken with the Business Hub.

It was noted that Karen Seal, the Principal Place and Investment Officer was leaving the position. The Committee and the Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning thanked her for her work.

RESOLVED:

1.       That the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

(To receive a report from Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, Chris Miller, Head of Environment, and Mike Reed, Head of Waste, which sets out the performance of the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2022-2023 Quarter 2 for Economy, Flooding and Waste which are within the remit of the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee)

Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, Chris Miller, Head of Environment and Mike Reed, the Head of Waste presented reports on the performance of the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2022-2023 Quarter 2 for Economy, Flooding and Waste which are within the remit of the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

It was reported that:

Economy:

• Business support measures were enhanced by the Lincolnshire Growth Hub and had contributed towards business growth.
• A pub diversification programme was being implemented to raise visitor market investment.
• TL had represented the county at various events, including ‘Getting Your Business to Net Zero’, ‘Leading a Food Revolution’, and the launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Defense and Security Network.
• Qualifications received by adults were 749, which exceeded the target of 400. This was attributed to courses having multiple qualifications attached to them.
• Lincolnshire had benefitted from the European Development Fund and the Levelling Up A16 Fund was expected in due course.

Flood:

• The statistics for Section 19 investigations in the report were not targets, but contextual measures in line with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
• Ongoing sector 19 investigations increased from three in Quarter 1 to 58 in Quarter 2.
  • 54 of these were due to the storm event in August 2022 which affected 101 properties, of which 79 were residential, ten were commercial, and 12 were streets/highways.

Waste:

• It was noted that figures in the report were at the behest of external factors such as weather, economy, and resident behavior, and were not a reflection of performance.
• Household waste was 498kg per household in Quarter 2, which fell below the target of 560kg.
• Household waste sent to landfill was 4.92% which was below the target of 5%.
• The household recycling rate was 70.6% which was below the target of 75%, but over the 66% annual forecast. The Head of Waste stated that this percentage was dependent on the type of waste the public presented to waste centers.
• The overall recycling rate was 43.8% which was below the target of 50%. This was also considered to be resultant of external factors such as public behaviour and weather patterns. Analysis was being undertaken to attempt to control these circumstances where possible.

During consideration of the report, the following was noted:

Economy:

• More data was requested on businesses that were in receipt of economic support. It was agreed a map would be circulated to Members, although the names of the businesses would remain anonymous to adhere to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• There was a Direct Advisor and a pub diversification programme to offer support to the pub sector.
• The targets for the next three quarters were listed in the Corporate Plan
• The European Growth Fund would no longer be available from June 2023 which could lead to a lack of business support in Lincolnshire; there was a shared prosperity fund available which was contingent on all seven authorities opting in. A small grant from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

(To receive a report from Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, and Kelly Owbridge-Tasker, Portfolio Team Leader, Economic Infrastructure, which enables the Committee to review and comment on updates to the Council’s Lettings Strategy)

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager delivered a report on the Council’s updated Lettings Strategy.

It was reported that:

• LCC held the portfolio of managed workspace which aimed to strengthen the local economy whilst optimising rental income and supported high quality business spaces such as offices and business units.
• In accordance with the Local Government Act 1972, the Portfolio Team strived to obtain market rent on all its properties.
• Responses to common challenges considered common market practice, statute and relevant case law precedent.

During discussion of the report, the following was noted:

• Mercury House in Gainsborough was 30% vacant and the Regeneration and Portfolio Manager highlighted the economic importance of location by citing a similar property in Market Deeping that was performing better due to it’s proximity to Peterborough’s asset base. Members were assured there was a proactive marketing campaign to prevent gratuitous vacancies.
• Members questioned whether occupancy rates would improve if rents were lower. The Regeneration and Portfolio Manager expressed that rent levels were bound by the principle of ‘best consideration’ in legislation. An online marketing strategy utilising housing provision websites was considered, however there were too many fees attached.
• It was clarified that another report on the Lettings Strategy would be bought to the Committee; this would detail the performance of strategy and provide information on the businesses receiving support by LCC.
• The Lettings Strategy helped to develop the asset base of LCC.
• Data on successful enquiries would be included in the next report
• The portfolio was dynamic and constantly reviewed, and there was a strong working relationship with business developers. LCC did not compete with the private sector or local government partners; in cases where private developers intervened, they were facilitated by LCC. Alternatively, LCC would put forward a business case if a funding package can be proven to provide additional support.

RESOLVED

1.       That the report and comments be noted

2.       That the comments made by the Committee be taken under consideration.

(To receive a report from Neil McBride, Head of Planning, which provides the Committee with an update and overview of Planning Service’s pre-application advice service since its introduction in May 2021)

Neil McBridge, Head of Planning, delivered a report which provided an update and overview of Planning Service’s pre-application advice service since its introduction in May 2021.

It was reported that:

• The introduction of a fee for the provision of pre-application advice was previously supported by the Committee and was implemented in May 2021.
• The previous rate for officers was £55 per hour which was the lowest national figure. Following a benchmarking exercise, it was proposed that rates should be increased to £90 per hour to manage additional costs.
• The Proposed Revised Charging Schedule of each category of service provision were outlined in Appendix A of the report.

 During consideration of the report, the following was noted:

• Members considered whether demand on the local service had changed once a fee was introduced at other Local Authorities; Officers clarified that the nature of building applications that were outlined in the report only applied to LCC property. This meant charges were incurred by other areas.
• Resident applications were not under the remit of the Planning Team, but rather District Councils.
• Authority to review the Charging Schedule had been delegated to the Head of Planning as per the decision of the Executive Council in March 2021.
• An annual update of the Charging Schedule was requested by Members in order to monitor its performance.

RESOLVED

1.       That the data presented regarding the uptake and performance of the pre-application advice service since its introduction be noted.

2.       That the increase in the hourly charge out rate for Planning Officers to £90 per hour be supported.

3.       That the proposed revisions to the pre-application service be supported.

4.       That the delegated authority to the Head of Planning to review or update the Charging Schedule and/or terms of the pre-application planning advice service be noted.

(To receive a report from Vanessa Strange, Head of Infrastructure Investment, which sets out a framework to guide future strategic infrastructure investments in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland and invites Members to review and debate the proposed approach in the context of achieving sustainable and inclusive growth for the area)

The Committee received a report on the framework which guided future strategic infrastructure investments in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. The report was introduced by Vanessa Strange, the Head of Infrastructure Investment and was delivered by Mandy Ramm, the Funding and Investment Manager.

It was reported that:

• Strategic, high-quality infrastructure was needed in Lincolnshire to harvest economic growth. Infrastructure investment also was in line with the governments commitment to Levelling Up and ensured residents had access to high-skilled, well-paid employment.
• The Framework encompassed eight infrastructure themes, seven priority economic sectors, and three cross cutting themes: Net Zero, Skills, and Social Infrastructure (including digital accessibility).
• Adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure provision would help to overcome regional challenges to growth.
• Adopting the Framework would provide an opportunity for economic partners to voice their local and strategic needs.
• The Framework was crafted to complement the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (GLLEP) Local Industrial Strategy and Plan for Growth, Vision 2050 and Local Transport Plan 5.
• No new funding was required for the proposals due to the flexibility of the Framework.

During discussion of the report, the following was noted:

• The process-driven approach of the Framework was welcomed, and Members questioned what outcomes it was anticipating to identify potential improvements in the future. The Funding and Investment Manager assured that once the Action Plans were implemented, the thematic responses would expose detailed outcomes.
• The Framework would be beneficial when collaborating with government departments and other local authority partners.
• Additional information would be circulated to Members on how conclusions in the report were reached in the context of competing ideas.
• The public had been consulted on some aspects of the Framework.
• The Strategic Infrastructure Delivery Framework (SIDF) required no funding as its role was to position LCC in a place that it can take advantage of financing bigger investments.
• Thorough work with internal and external partners had prevented duplication of other documents and frameworks. The Infrastructure Group represented a business-led approach; it was offer-led and involved an array of organisations.
• The report existed within the broader context of devolution.
• Additional information was requested following the implementation of the Action Plan; the Head of Infrastructure Investment agreed to return to the Committee at this stage or within 12 months.
• Assurance was given that the final copy of the Framework would be circulated to the Chief Executives and the Leader for approval.
• The vast amount of partners and methodologies involved in developing the Framework underlined the complexity of driving infrastructure projects.

RESOLVED

1.       That the approach including the Strategic Infrastructure themes and objectives be supported.

2.    That the report and comments be noted

(To receive a report by Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, which enables the Committee to comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity is focussed where it can be of greatest benefit)

The Committee was referred to the work programme, which was set out on pages 103-106 of the agenda pack.

Following discussion by the Committee earlier in the meeting, the report of LCC’s Lettings Strategy was added to the work programme. In addition, the Committee noted that the report on the Energy Options Analysis for Greater Lincolnshire be moved to the meeting in February 2023.

It was noted that an update on the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Framework would be added to ‘items to be programmed’ until a suitable date was identified.

RESOLVED

That the proposed work programme be approved, subject to the additions above.