Issue - meetings

Report and appendices attached.

 A report to Cabinet on the Inclusive Growth Strategy had been referred to the Board for pre-decision scrutiny.

Officers explained that the Inclusive Growth Strategy set out a guide to economic development and growth in Havering over the next 25 years. The majority of projects in the strategy were already ongoing and resourced. The Cabinet Member added that the report set out principles and aspirations in this area and that it was planned to increase inward investment and regeneration.

Comments from Members included that there was a need to progress the Rainham CIL but 15.4 hectares of land were being lost from this area. It was felt that the impact of Brexit should be mentioned in the strategy and that aspirations for improved infrastructure may be too ambitious. There was also a feeling that ‘dirty’ industries should not be diverted from Barking & Dagenham.

Officers agreed about not allowing the diversion of ‘dirty’ industries into Havering and also that Havering should not become a dormitory borough. The impact of Brexit was unpredictable and, whilst North-South infrastructure would be explored, there was no commitment at this stage. Whilst the London Mayor wanted to move commercial land to residential purposes, there was a wish any net loss of commercial land in Havering. It was hoped to move towards higher value industries with a higher network of jobs and salaries.

A consultant had been asked to comment on the inward investment aspects of the strategy and officers would confirm the cost of this work. Officers agreed that it was important to have clear targets and timescales in the implementation plan. A lot of engagement with local residents had been undertaken already and this was expected to continue. The cost of infrastructure and the associated delivery plan had been discussed at the Joint Venture Working Party and the process aimed to encourage investment to fund this. Even in the current difficult period, there remained opportunities to attract investment from Central Government.

Concerns were raised that the strategy showed difficulties around the provision of post-16 education and the need to resolve infrastructure issues. A clear list of priorities should be included and a Member added that perhaps the strategy should be paused until the details of the national financial settlement for local government were known.

It was confirmed that businesses that had to move due to regeneration works etc would be relocated within the borough. Officers confirmed that the Public Works Loan Board was currently consulting on no longer loaning for commercial ventures.

It was also felt there should be mention in the policy of how investment can be made in local shops and parade and that there should be a strategy to integrate new communities with older ones. An Equalities Impact Assessment of the strategy had indicated that there should not be any disproportionate impact on disadvantaged groups. The issue of local shopping parades would be included in the final strategy and the Council did have a High Streets and Local Centres officer. Officers agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34