Agenda item

(A report by Justin Brown, Commissioner for Growth, in connection with performance against the Economy indicators included as part of the Council's business plan)

Consideration was given to a report which provided the Committee with information on performance against the economy indicators included as part of the Council's Business Plan.  It also provided some economic context to why the services delivered in support of those indicators were relevant.  It was noted that the four indicators were met in 2017/18.

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         It was commented that house building rates had fallen again, and at district level, planning consent would be given but the building would never take place.  It was highlighted that one issue was that utilities were not in sync with the districts.  It was queried whether there was any pressure that could be applied.  It was noted that the provision of utilities was one issue in some areas with low house building rates, and work was underway to try and address this.

·         It was noted that the utility companies worked to a different regime than local authorities, but work was being taken forward by the LEP, and it was also an issue that the government and MP's were aware of.

·         It was noted that housing would be a big issue in the future and would be included in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

·         It was highlighted that there had been a 12% reduction in manufacturing jobs, and it was noted that a lot of jobs would have been lost in Grimsby due to reductions in the fish processing industry.  It was confirmed with these jobs would have been within the agri-food sector.  It was commented that it would be interesting to see what was in the next set of data when it was released later in the year, as the data available was retrospective.  The Committee requested further information on changes in employment in relation to manufacturing to see f there was any particular area of manufacturing affected and whether it had changed since 2016.  It was requested that this information be included in the Quarter 1 performance report due in September 2018.

·         In terms of housing, it was acknowledged that the county council could not affect it, for example, in terms of affordability.  But it was suggested that the one thing which the authority could have an effect on was on the amounts asked for under S106.  It was thought there was planning permission for about 2,500 houses which were outstanding.  It was noted that a review of the planning system was being carried out.

·         In terms of S106, they were legitimate requests, as if housing developments were being built, then health, schools and highways infrastructure would be needed.  It was also noted that lots of smaller schemes could have a cumulative effect.

·         It was suggested whether the LEP could be asked to look into whether there was any correlation between wage growth, building rates and house prices.

·         It was queried whether where there were issues with developers obtaining planning permission and then not building the houses, could the authority buy back the land at a reduced rate if the houses were not built within a set time period.

RESOLVED

1.    That the comments made in relation to the performance information presented be noted.

2.    That further information on manufacturing be included in the Quarter 1 performance report due in September 2018.