Agenda item

To receive the report of the Chief Executive which is to follow (currently under embargo by Central Government).

With the permission of the Chair the agenda was reorganised and this item was the first to be discussed after Declarations of Interest. This was because the Chair of the Torridge Place Board was in attendance and among others, presenting the item.

The Chief Executive presented the report, the purpose was for Full Council to receive the latest information and update of progress on Torridge’s Community Regeneration Partnership with Government and to approve the addition of the projects related to the partnership to the Council’s Capital Investment Programme.

The Chair of the Torridge Place Board congratulated Torridge District Council on their ability to achieve this funding against a difficult backdrop and with the challenges that Torridge has recently faced. He commented that the Minister approved projects cover a breath of opportunity for all which includes business, culture, and environment.

The Leader expressed gratitude for the work completed by the Officers and Boards involved. Councillor James then moved the recommendation.

Members noticed a spelling mistake within the report. In response the Chief Executive clarified the matter.

Members briefly discussed the project regarding Bideford Hospital, specifically what the funding would be used for. The Chair advised the Committee that these details will become clearer at a later date once the plan comes into fruition. The Chief Executive furthered stating that these projects have been proposed by the Government, they are not Torridge District Council projects. Dentistry is not mentioned because it hasn’t been proposed as a point of project delivery by the Government.

Councillor Newton arrived at the meeting at 6:50pm.

In response to a question about the Cleave Wood project, the Chief Executive informed Members that Torridge District Council own a parcel of land within the area and reiterated that the intention is that this site be used for residential use and that details would be provided at a later date. Members clarified their concerns, specifically regarding flood risk. The Head of Communities & Place told members that this funding would allow for a reassessment of the land.

Further questions were raised about resources and whether Torridge District Council has the ability to carry out these projects. The Chief Executive advised Members that this issue is currently being evaluated and as the Peer Review inferred, the Council would not be able to achieve these projects with the current staffing resources, however there will be some external input.

Members asked the Committee if the funding being assigned to the revenue account would be used for staffing. The Chief Executive explained that although the sum of £250,00 is large, when spread across the programme the sum would not be enough to significantly aid with staffing.

Councillor Hames congratulated the Committee although commented that some further details were provided at the prior Group Leader meeting. The Chair stated that this item was strictly confidential until the day of the meeting and therefore not a lot of information could be shared.

Members highlighted that they were thankful for the breadth of projects over a vast number of areas.

It was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Smith and –

Resolved:

That the £20,070,000 Government funding for the Torridge Community Regeneration Partnership is added to the Council’s Capital Programme.

(Vote: For – Unanimous)