Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

The Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Social Justice and Wealth Building (Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder) and the Director of Planning and Property (Jonathan Noad) presented the South Ribble Community Wealth Building Action Plan to the Committee and responded to members’ comments and queries.

The independent Policy Advisor (Matthew Baqueriza-Jackson) for the Action Plan was also in attendance at the meeting.

Members were informed that the Action Plan would ensure resiliency in the local business and community sectors and would identify tangible benefits with the intention of localising wealth and supporting enterprise.

This would be achieved by diversifying the local economy, using planning powers to recognise wider benefits and ensuring that wealth reaches more residents through a democratic economy.

Members initially sought assurance that the proposals were realistic for a shire district like South Ribble compared to cities and unitary authorities. In response, confidence in the delivery of benefits in South Ribble was expressed with particular reference to the large numbers of public and private sector employers in the borough. 

Other local authorities such as the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Camden, Birmingham City Council and Wakefield Council had successfully implemented similar Wealth Building Action Plans. Further information on other authorities who had adopted similar strategies could be found on the Centre for Local Economic Strategies website.

In response to a query regarding the evidence base for the Action Plan, the Committee was informed that significant engagement had been undertaken. A core officer group had been established in the Council’s Economic Development department and consultation had been undertaken with South Ribble Partnership.

Disappointment was expressed that the report and draft action plan did not include engagement with businesses and business organisations. Assurances were provided, however, that officers would meet with local businesses to discuss the Action Plan in early November.

Members suggested that corporate organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Directors, also be consulted.

Members also queried how success of the Action Plan would be measured and were informed that a Social Value Monitoring Officer would be employed to oversee progress and observance by businesses and employers. A social value portal would also provide ready-made indicators for success.

The benefit of appointing officers to deliver and monitor the Action Plan was questioned and the Committee was informed that they would be able to monitor the outcomes of the Action Plan and provide evidence for the Council to make strategic decisions. A review of current resources would be undertaken to confirm whether additional staff are needed before a business case is submitted.

It was confirmed that an implementation plan would be devised for the Action Plan if approved by Cabinet and an annual progress report would be created. All reports going to Cabinet, Full Council or committees would be required to assess social value impacts.

Some concern was expressed over the abilities of small businesses to commit to the social values of the Action Plan and reassurance was provided that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19