Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Commission received a report on the Economic Regeneration Strategy which highlighted work undertaken over the previous year, ongoing initiatives and progress towards achieving the aims of the Action Plan.

Discussion ensued regarding the roll out of superfast broadband and in response to a member’s question it was explained that whilst it wasn’t possible to say how many properties would benefit, the contribution of £58,000 from this authority was small in comparison to the total project funding and also represented excellent value for money. It was reported that Leicestershire County Council was bidding for more funding with the intention that eventually the whole of the county would have superfast broadband. It was also reported that the county council would update its website as the roll out progressed. This would start in the next few weeks.

With regard to the work at MIRA, it was noted that officers had supported the successful bid for the new £10m training centre that North Warwickshire & Hinckley College would manage the training centre on the site, which was of benefit to this borough, and that the site in its entirety would draw employers from outside of the Midlands.

A member asked how many self-employed people were operating in the borough and what was being done to support them. In response it was stated that two events had been held for small businesses to help them to grow and that the BID also supported small businesses in partnership with the council.

In response to a question regarding farm diversification and contact with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), it was reported that annual meetings were held with the NFU and also that if the LEADER project was successful, more work would be undertaken in that area.

RESOLVED – the report be noted and welcomed and progress on economic regeneration activities within the borough be endorsed.