Agenda and draft minutes

To sign and confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st October 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st October 2020 were agreed as a correct record to be signed by the Chairman.

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutes (if any).

None.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

None.

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday 9^th November 2020.

None.

(To be presented by Michelle Sacks, Deputy Chief Executive & Monitoring Officer) 

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Nigel Welton

The Economic Development Manager presented a report, which provided information regarding development of the project "Port of Boston - Gateway to Growth" and its impact on both the local and regional economies, its international significance and its ability to influence and enhance the prospects of Boston and raise the aspirations for future generations.

The Committee was asked to note the following recommendations, to be submitted to Cabinet for approval at its meeting on 2^nd December:

(i)      To provide financial support to the Midlands Connect feasibility study of not more than £20,000; and

(ii)     To allocate a budget to the Deputy Chief Executive for the purpose of supporting ongoing project development.

Any other comments that the Committee might have would also be reported to Cabinet by the Deputy Chief Executive (Place).

The recommendations were required to demonstrate to the Council’s partner, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), the support of the Council to the Midlands Connect feasibility study and to provide ongoing support for project initiation and development. Without this funding, the project would not be able to progress to the next stage and LCC would not support a Midlands Connect submission.

There were 40,000 jobs within South East Lincolnshire linked to the logistics industry. Whilst the majority of key employers were based in SHDC’s area, many Boston residents commuted to work with those employers. This project, through seeking improvement in the road infrastructure, would help keep those employers based in the area and some success had already been seen through the agreement of LCC to submit a Midlands Connect feasibility scheme.

In addition, this project was not simply about preserving existing jobs, but also creating the environment for continued growth and prosperity, not just for Boston, but the wider geographical area, and indeed the wider UKPLC agenda, which would lead to an increase in employment opportunities, including higher skilled employment.

South Lincolnshire was on the cusp of significant growth. The Port of Boston - Gateway to Growth project provided an opportunity for Boston to facilitate and lead on the further development of this project and directly link into other major projects that were taking place within the region to ensure that Boston, as a Borough, was included in the projected outcomes of those projects, for the wider benefit of the communities.

Members voiced appreciation for the hard work undertaken by officers and supported the aims and ambitions of the project. The project was described as exciting and an opportunity to bring together the funding needed. It was considered a great advantage that the port had a rail connection that could be enhanced and had the potential to expand, bringing material closer to the food-processing industry.  Although in its early stages, this ambitious project was very promising.

Members asked various questions including the timescale for the project, details of the town’s rival ports in terms of the project’s aims and Boston’s advantages.

In response, the Economic Development Manager explained that a project of this scale took time. The port was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

(For Members to discuss the Committee’s current work programme)

Members considered the Committee’s work programme.

Members discussed the best time to receive an update on homelessness and it was generally felt that this should be timed for the February meeting.   

The Assistant Director explained that the Committee would receive a report on the role taken by Environmental Health throughout the pandemic and the impact of the suspension of food safety visits.

Members also considered a suggestion that the Committee should receive a report on the impact of the pandemic on services generally and the Council’s response to it.  An additional meeting could be arranged, perhaps held jointly with ELDC, in order to scrutinise the corporate response to the pandemic and the lessons learned.

The Assistant Director explained that these were information items, but he would discuss the suggestions with officers and report back to Members.