Agenda item

To consider the updates to the Programme for Growth and provide guidance to officers as to future updates to the Committee.

The Economy and Infrastructure Manager introduced the report which asked the Committee to note progress on the existing Programme for Growth (P4G), the approved new Programme for Growth projects and associated budgets, the strengthened programme management and reporting arrangements and provide guidance to Officers as to whether there were any elements of the Programme for Growth that the Committee would like to focus on as part of future updates.

The Committee noted that the P4G was first established in 2011 as a means of focussing and managing investment in the Council’s key priorities. The programme was now in its third iteration (from 2017-18), and P4G3 was the critical delivery mechanism for the Council’s Corporate Plan 2015-20 and growth focused Economic Development Framework which aimed to make Selby District ‘a great place’. The Executive report before the Committee provided an update on progress and included recommendations to the Executive for a further round of P4G projects.

Members were pleased with the comprehensive report and asked a number of questions on the content. Some Members expressed concern about future involvement in the Tour de Yorkshire, as they were unsure as to the real benefits for traders in the District, and were of the opinion that infrastructure and town regeneration should be focused on.

The Committee noted that there were a number of large strategic planning applications expected in the coming months, including the rail freight interchange at Gascoigne Wood and former air base at Church Fenton. However, Officers reassured Members they were aware that the majority of businesses in the District were small and medium sized enterprises, and that the Council was keen to support them through encouraging long term investment and job creation.

Members acknowledged that long term strategic planning was essential to the economic growth of the District, and that a number of strategic sites were currently being developed the Council’s Economic Development Team.

RESOLVED:

i.           To note the progress on the existing Programme for Growth.

ii.          To note the approved new Programme for Growth projects and associated budgets.

iii.        To note the strengthened programme management and reporting arrangements.

iv.        To receive regular updates on the progress of the Programme for Growth via the quarterly updates to the Executive throughout the year.