Issue - meetings

To receive and note a report from the Director for Growth and Chief Executive providing Members with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2017/18 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Director of Growth and Chief Executive providing it with an update on performance against the Corporate Plan and local service targets for 2017/18 as well as providing an update on the key business risks.

Regarding the Corporate Plan aim ‘Focus on business retention and growth of existing businesses’ it was explained that the target for the number of Apprentice starts was the Government target calculated as 2.3% of full time equivalents posts. The Council had 9 apprentices as at 31 March 2017 and had 5 starters in September. The Council was holding an event the following week to promote apprenticeships to existing staff.

A brief discussion followed with regard to:

·         The up to date figure for the number of empty shops in Tiverton had reduced slightly from 25 (as stated in the report) to 23. The number of empty shops in Crediton and Cullompton remained at 8 and 9 respectively.

·         The need for more meaningful measures in relation to business retention and growth.

·         The usefulness of receiving information about what other businesses were doing regarding Apprentice starts.

·         The land supply being identified as a high risk. The Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration explained that this risk would be mitigated by the Local Plan review which would provide a new supply of commercial sites.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.