Issue - meetings

Long Term Plans for Towns

Meeting: 13/02/2024 - Cabinet (Item 58)

To consider the formation of a Town Board to support the preparation of a Long-Term Plan for Spalding (report of the Assistant Director – Economic Growth)

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Economic Growth which proposed the formation of a Town Board to support the preparation of a Long-Term Plan for Spalding.

The Leader presented the report.

The following points were raised:

· Members were delighted to see these proposals coming forward and it was hoped that work commenced soon, undertaking some ‘quick wins’ as well as attempting to resolve some more long-term issues. The Authority had been attempting to address long-term plans for the town for a number of years and it was hoped that the formation of a Town Board and its supporting funding would assist to move this forward.

· It was noted that Councillor Gibson had initiated a survey to gain public feedback on parking in the Market Place – before any conclusions were arrived at, some work should be undertaken on the economic benefit or otherwise of the changing status of the Market Place. It was also important to concentrate not only on the Market Place but on other areas of the town that would benefit from investment.

The Leader responded that it was helpful on this occasion to be in receipt of a significant amount of funding to undertake positive change. It was also clarified that the area covered was almost the whole of Spalding and included some residential areas, not just the town centre. Finally, the Town Board would be made aware of any pieces of work undertaken to date which would assist with future plans. Consultation would be an important part of the Town Board’s role moving forward.

· What were the proposed scrutiny/governance arrangements with regard to monitoring?

Officers responded that plans for scrutiny/governance were being worked on and members would be advised of arrangements in due course.

· Whilst the proposals were welcomed, it was important to ensure that the Town Board could make decisions quickly. In addition, there were a number of groups/forums that could all feed into this work – how could it be ensured that all relevant areas/forums with an interest could be involved to move things forward?

The Leader expected that all these groups would have representation on the Town Board. With regard to the progression of its work, the Town Board had to agree a three-year investment plan to be signed off by the Authority, the local MP and DLUHC and once this had been agreed, work could start to progress.

· How would the Board be supported administratively, were the resources available for this and would the funding contribute?

Officers responded that administrative support would be provided at a District level, and part of the funding was to support the Town Board in this capacity.

DECISION:

1) That the formation of a Town Board for Spalding to support the submission of the Long-Term Plan, and the appointment of Mr Robin Hancox as Chair of the Spalding Town Board, be agreed;

2) That the delegation of power to the Chief Executive to formally confirm the appointments to the Spalding Town Board ... view the full minutes text for item 58