Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Decision Made (Unanimously):

1.    That Cabinet approves the Terms of Reference for the Member Working Group as outlined in paragraph 13 of the report.

2.    Cabinet notes and agrees to the following requests of the Member Working Group:

·         Ensure that all business grant payments are maximised before the grant scheme closes and that the amount of unused funds is either nil or minimised

·         Prioritise support for businesses and employees with regards to mental health support as part of the South Ribble Together Community Hub

·         Ensure funding is directed to our high streets, borough wide to support local businesses, market the centres, provide advice to businesses and increase footfall

·         Consider measures to address concerns raised surrounding business cash flow beyond the current regimes – a dedicated financial response to support local businesses needs to be established

·         Approve in principal, a temporary increase of resource in the Investment and Skills team to provide a focused period of business support for the next 18 months

·         Recognises the support provided by the Council and Government

3.    Cabinet agrees to lobby the Lancashire Economic Partnership, the local MP’s and relevant Government departments for funding to provide longer term support for businesses in the borough, especially in the context of the economic impact not yet being fully felt.

Councillor Foster left the meeting for this item due to his declaration of interest.  Councillor Mick Titherington took the Chair for this item.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal presented a report of the Director of Planning and Property summarising the activities and key issues address by the recently formed Business Support COVID-19 Member Working Group.

As Chair of the Member Working Group, Councillor James Flannery updated Cabinet on the work of the group in engaging with businesses and providing an overview of the extensive support available to businesses in South Ribble following the pandemic. 

Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the Member Working Group for their work and the support provided to business by the Council and Government. 

A discussion took place on maximising the grants provided to businesses and it was suggested to remove the grant closure date from the recommendation at point 3 in the report.

Decision made:  (Unanimously)

1.    That Cabinet approves the Terms of Reference for the Member Working Group as outlined in paragraph 13 of the report.

2.    Cabinet notes and agrees to the following requests of the Member Working Group:

a)    Ensure that all business grant payments are maximised before the grant scheme closes and that the amount of unused funds is either nil or minimised

b)    Prioritise support for businesses and employees with regards to mental health support as part of the South Ribble Together Community Hub

c)    Ensure funding is directed to our high streets, borough wide to support local businesses, market the centres, provide advice to businesses and increase footfall

d)    Consider measures to address concerns raised surrounding business cash flow beyond the current regimes – a dedicated financial response to support local businesses needs to be established

e)    Approve in principal, a temporary increase of resource in the Investment and Skills team to provide a focused period of business support for the next 18 months

f)     Recognises the support provided by the Council and Government

3.    Cabinet agrees to lobby the Lancashire Economic Partnership, the local MP’s and relevant Government departments for funding to provide longer term support for businesses in the borough, especially in the context of the economic impact not yet being fully felt.

Reason(s) for the Decision:

The Member Working Group was formed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a request to feedback to the Cabinet on its activities.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

None.

Councillor Foster returned to the Chair at this point.