To receive a report from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration providing Members with update information regarding the Growth, Economy & Delivery team’s latest COVID19 emergency economic and community response activities. To also update Members on the Devon-wide economic recovery work and seek Members’ endorsement for the current business support and economic recovery activities.
Minutes:
The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration providing it with an update regarding the Growth, Economy and Delivery team’s latest COVID19 emergency economic recovery work and seeking Members’ endorsement for the current business support and economic recovery activities.
The Strategic Manager for Growth Economy and Delivery informed the meeting that since the publication of the report so much had changed as the country was now in another lockdown situation and therefore there was a need to focus on the variances to the published report:
· The relevant figures in relation to the number of positive cases of coronavirus across the country, the increase in the number of deaths and the percentage of new cases in Mid Devon
· The roll out of the vaccination programme
· The impact on the economy of Mid Devon following another lockdown situation and the period of time it would take for the country to recover from the recession
· The different Government support schemes that were now in place and the additional sum of £7.3m of Government funding which was due to be received and the total amount of government funding received to date (£30.6m)
· 3 more officers had been relocated to assist the team with grant payments
· The timing of the Chancellors budget and the impact that this may have on Business Rate relief
· The Covid Support Hub had been reinstated; all clinically vulnerable people would be required to register for assistance, although many people had supports mechanisms in place. The Financial Hardship Fund was seeing a number of repeat applications. Across the district there had been an increase in local stakeholder services.
· A Town Centre Health Check was underway in Cullompton and it was hoped that the health checks would be extended to the other main towns as soon as staff resource allowed. In addition to this, and with the assistance of seconded leisure staff, a business survey had been undertaken of town centre businesses in the three main towns to better understand the effect of the pandemic on their businesses. Brexit preparedness, feedback on safety measures in the town centres etc.. Key findings were outlined which included the need for training for the creation of webpages. Officers had been putting those businesses in contact with the LEP digital training programme which many of the businesses had already benefitted from.
· The Reopening of the High Streets initiative continued and whilst the country was in lockdown, work would be undertaken to review arrangements in the town centre and refresh pavement stencilling and signage as necessary in readiness for future easing of restrictions
· The Cullompton High Street Heritage Action Zone Project continued
· Devon recovery work continued and the detailed work was explained
Consideration was given to:
· The impact of the pandemic/lockdown on independent stores in the main towns
· The Income Compensation Scheme
· The impact of the pandemic on the budget
· The roll out of the grant support schemes
· The need to review the signage in the towns
· Whether there was any tourism support grants available
The Chairman on behalf of the Group recorded thanks and appreciation to staff for the work that was taking place.
Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the minutes.
Supporting documents: