i) Chairman of Council
ii) Leader of the Council
iii) Head of Paid Service
Minutes:
Chairman of Council
The Chairman noted that the list of Civic Engagements had been circulated to all Councillors, but made particular mention of his and the Vice Chairman’s visit around all staff over the Christmas period, and that they had visited a number of care homes.
Leader of the Council
The Leader informed Members of the current progress of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP), this had now been through public examination and the Planning Inspectorate was now giving consideration to the document. A further six week consultation began that morning on the proposed modifications. It was hoped for adoption of the Local Plan by the Council meeting on 24 April 2017.
Regarding the governance of Lincolnshire post Devolution failure, the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council had that day announced that there would be a referendum at the same time as the County Council elections seeking support for a unitary authority. It had to be asked however how many County Councillors would be returned and how many officers would be eligible to TUPE across? And how would the performance differ from as at present? Information would be provided as and when it became available.
The Lincolnshire Local Government Pension Scheme was to be pooled with that of 12 other UK authorities’ funds to create a total fund of around £40 billion, in order to create savings. Some investment portfolios had achieved significant interest in recent times.
The Lincolnshire Business Expo had taken place the previous week at the EPIC Centre, with around 100 exhibitors and promotional opportunities, including a West Lindsey stand. Gainsborough traders needed to achieve equity with those in Marshall’s Yard, and the town centre needed invigorating intervention.
Chief Executive
The Government had launched an Industrial Strategy, and it needed to be seen what this meant for local governance structures, and it was understood that the government was prepared to open discussion with local authorities for deals without mayors. With the near completion of the Local Plan it had to be questioned where the money was coming from to provide for infrastructure.
The provisional financial settlement had been released for consultation. The reductions in budgets were more significant for rural areas, with a reduction of 31% compared with 22% for urban areas. Councillors Strange and Bierley (Members of SPARSE) and the local MP had been working to consider the implications, such as a subsequent reduction in New Homes Bonus, cuts in rural transport provision, and GP recruitment.
The Health Commission was an ongoing project with enthusiastic support from Members, with a particular focus on such issues as the shortage of GPs and prevention of ill health.
The Chief Executive had also been working with various individuals on the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower, and had attended a meeting in Southampton. The project was very interesting and major events were planned with other towns both in the UK and USA during 2020, and an invitation for West Lindsey to take part. Councillor Howitt-Cowan was the lead Councillor on this project and a report was to be submitted to Committee in due course, and there was an opportunity to link nationally to access Lottery and Arts England funding.
The key thrust of the Industrial Strategy mentioned earlier was how economies could work together, such as with the university, County Council and neighbouring authorities in Lincolnshire and South Holland. Three Food Enterprise Zones had been created but it was also about looking at the Agrifood-triangle, and promoting the value of agri-food and the innovation taking place with technology. The Midlands Engine was also a key player in seeking funding for agri-food.