Agenda and minutes

This is where Councillors who are attending as substitutes will say for whom they are attending.

Apologies were received from Councillor Yusra Hussain.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 5 March 2020

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

The Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have disclosable pecuniary interests, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items, or any other interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

All items were considered in public session.

The Panel will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10 (2), Members of the Public should provide at least 24 hours’ notice of presenting a deputation.

No deputations or petitions were received.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, Members of the Public may submit written questions to the Panel. 

Any questions should be emailed to executive.governance.gov.uk no later than 2pm on 8 July 2020.

No questions were asked under this item.

A presentation will be given at the meeting.

Contact: Chris Duffill – Head of Business and Skills

Angela Blake, Service Director for Economy and Skills gave a presentation setting out details in relation to the development of the Kirklees Economic Recovery Plan (ERP). The presentation initially highlighted the impact of Covid-19 in Kirklees which included statistics in respect of employment and the increase in benefit claims in the region.

With regard to the objectives of the Plan the following information was set out highlighting the means of supporting economic recovery through:

•      Collective investment, procurement and recruitment decisions; use of key property and other assets;

•      Funding and support for business resilience and growth; and

•      Helping to mitigate the economic impacts of the virus on our most vulnerable residents.

It was further reported that The ERP will:

•      Be intelligence-led, driven by emerging evidence on local economic impacts and needs;

•      Integrate business and infrastructure investments with interventions to support vulnerable people and achieve inclusive growth; and,

•      Balance support for sectors with the potential to deliver growth during the recovery and those that need to strengthen their resilience.

The Council will create a £40m Economic Recovery Fund by:

·         Repurposing our Property Investment Fund and Start Up and Retention Fund

·         Prioritising other capital investments that will directly support the recovery.

·         Continued recourse to funding form Government, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority/Leeds City Region LEP and other sources

The presentation set out existing and new initiatives aimed at supporting business growth, people skills and employment as well as providing information in respect of climate change issues and the green environment.

                 Questions and comments were invited from Panel Members and the following issues were raised:

• Councillor Bolt highlighted the need for the green economy and active travel initiatives to be at the forefront of the recovery plan and referred to the need to be more proactive with regard to cycling schemes and community asset transfers to community groups. Councillor Mather explained that the plan was a draft, fluid document that was aligned with existing blueprints and the local plan. With regard to active travel measures it was reported that this was being done on a phased basis to support regeneration and an assurance was given active travel was vitally important.

• Councillor Taylor expressed concern with regard to plans to re-purpose and re-profile the Capital Programme and referred to the implications for the medium term financial plan with regard to planned returns on investments.

• Councillor Taylor highlighted the issue of potential falling rolls at University and the impact for Huddersfield with regard to student accommodation and the student economy. Concerns were also raised in relation to excess office accommodation as a result of the pandemic and the financial implications of this in terms of rental income. Councillor McBride acknowledged the changing nature of office work, which will need to be taken into account as town centre schemes develop and gave an assurance that the reconfiguration and redevelopment of town centres across Kirklees will continue despite the pandemic.

• In response to a question concerning White Rose Forest, Councillor Walker acknowledged  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive a presentation on the progress of the Huddersfield Blueprint, including an update on public transport and active travel initiatives.

Following an urgent decision taken by Cabinet on 16 June an assurance was given that this Panel would be updated on the purchase of the George Hotel.

A copy of the Cabinet Report is attached for information.

Simon Taylor, Head of Development & Master Planning, gave a presentation to the Panel, setting out an update on the following Town Centre Programmes:

·         Huddersfield Station Gateway

·         Huddersfield St Peters

·         Huddersfield Queensgate

·         Dewsbury

The presentation set out details of cross cutting generic themes including public realm and housing and provided information relating to governance arrangements in place. Following a commitment from Cabinet, the report considered at a meeting on 16 June, in respect of the George Hotel, was appended to the agenda.

In addition to the Town Centre Programme Update, Tim Lawrence provided details in respect of the Emergency Travel Fund, including details of proposals which build on the place making concepts laid out in the Huddersfield and Dewsbury blueprints. Tranche 1 funding had been received, with Tranche 2 funding due towards the end of August. It was reported that the intention is now to work up a programme

across the District , that focusses on an ambitious but deliverable programme of active travel measures. The Active Travel Programme will form part of the Strategic Transport Policy.

Questions and comments were invited from Panel Members and the following issues were raised:

• In response to a question about vacant retail space within Dewsbury Arcade and plans to fill the units, Simon Taylor explained that going forward there are plans for mixed use units including creative workshops. It was acknowledged that as a result of Covid-19 and the rise in internet shopping there will be a need diversify uses within town centre projects.

• With regard to active travel, Tim Lawrence explained that it was the aim to link in with place based working, which would recognise the different nature and need of individual wards. The input of ward councillors will inform decisions.

• Councillor Bolt commented on the need to consult recognised local cycling groups. Tim Lawrence gave an undertaking to wider consultation will take place in future, to include specific local groups

• With regard to regeneration, Councillor Bolt stressed the need for business plans to be produced and shared. Simon Taylor explained that plans were currently being worked on

• Councillor Eastwood highlighted the need for off road cycle paths to encourage cyclists

·         With regard to the George Hotel, it was reported that it was hope to work with Rugby League Care to look at some involvement of the Hotel to tie in with next year’s world cup

RESOLVED -

The Panel recognises the opportunities to do things differently as a result of the pandemic, including how the Council invest and how innovative active travel measures can be introduced.

Contact: Leigh Webb, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer

That the Panel’s Work Programme for 2020/21 and forthcoming items/activities was submitted.

RESOLVED –

That the Panels Work Programme and forthcoming items/activities be noted.