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 that it was important that new developments such as Beam Park were not seen as separate communities and that for example the Rainham area would benefit from the Beam Park development.

It was clarified that the new Beam Park station would be located below the road leading towards the CEME centre. The new communities would be built along the A1306 from Dovers Corner to the Barking Creek roundabout and hence covering parts of both Barking & Dagenham and Havering. Buildings by the river including the Veolia landfill site were not included in the Beam Park project but were covered by the Rainham master plan.

It was accepted that there was uncertainty around Brexit and some funding issues but the Cabinet Member felt it was important that the policy was moved forward. It would be ensured that the success of the strategy could be measured.

Officers clarified that the Wates organisation remained in the Joint Venture and had not pulled out. The Napier and New Plymouth Houses redevelopment had been made a Council scheme due to difficulties encountered during the lockdown period. This would still provide low cost home ownership for local people. It was clarified that all rental social housing in Havering was let to local people (who had loved in the borough for a minimum of six years) via Housing Associations.

The Board agreed that the following comments on the Inclusive Growth Strategy should be passed to the appropriate Cabinet Member:

·        The wish to prevent ‘dirty’ industries coming into Havering.

·        The need for clear targets and timescales in the implementation plan.

·        To continue with resident engagement and the collecting of feedback.

·        That priorities are clearly stated in the strategy.

·        That the strategy emphasises the importance of continuing to invest in small, local shopping parades.

·        That alternative premises within Havering are secured for business relocated due to development.

·        Some Members of the Board felt that the need to pause the strategy and look in more detail at the baseline evidence should be considered.