Agenda item

An opportunity for Portfolio Holders to raise any issues relating to their service areas.

Portfolio holders gave an update on various issues within their areas.

1.      Leader (Portfolio Holder – Cllr Edward Heron)

·        Freeports – An update was given on theSolent Freeport application, one of eight potential Freeports. The current focus was on providing re-assurance that local structures were in place to fulfil the Government’s objectives, with an outline business case to be submitted by the end of July. The estimated tax benefit for firms relocating into a Freeport tax site was £2m per hectare per annum. The scheme would be targeted to particular sectors and would need to ensure there was a net economic benefit, given that the Government would be foregoing estimated tax revenue of approximately £1.2bn. The Freeport would be important to the Waterside and the Forest as a whole, benefitting and feeding into supply chains and services.  There was now a Freeport website, the weblinks of which would be circulated in due course. A key objective of the Council was upskilling residents, including the hospitality sector, and participating firms would be required to offer training and upskilling.

·        WorkSmart.

Reference was made to the Worksmart proposals elsewhere on the agenda. There would be engagement with members on how they wished to work in future.

2.      Business, Tourism and High Streets (Portfolio Holder – Cllr Michael Harris)

·        Business Grants

NFDC was in the top 25% of authorities for prompt payment of grants distribution, with appropriate checks. The Council was required to allocate all of its Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG), funding by the end of June, to secure a further phase of funding of £1.4m.   He thanked officers for the efficient way in which the Grants had been administered. 

·        High Streets

An online event was planned for businesses, live, but available for later viewing, which would feature advice on business growth and competing with online trade. 

·        Tourism

The visitor economy was essential to the New Forest. GoNewForest had organised an event at Balmer Lawn, which was attended by local businesses and aimed to highlight to young people the benefits of working in the Forest.  In addition to the Kickstart Scheme, the Council worked with the LEP to assist young people into employment where it could.

·        Staff Suggestion scheme

            It was proposed that the NFDC staff efficiency ideas suggestion scheme be           publicised and promoted as good practice among local businesses with examples of successful ideas given.

·        Flexible Working Hours

            It was suggested that employees be given further flexibility in the hours they      worked, eg, later in the evenings.

·        Broadband

Government targets in this regard had altered and this was being monitored, but local schemes were being promoted and assisted by the Council wherever possible.

3.     Finance, Investment and Corporate Services (Portfolio Holder – Cllr Jeremy Heron)

·        Performance and Budget Outturn

He was pleased with the outcome and good government support though reduced income from Leisure and Car Parking covered by related grants.

·        ICT Investment

Congratulations to the ICT team for maintaining services and adapting to the demands of homeworking / Covid. Helped continuation of service delivery to the community.

·        Business Support Grants

Important to businesses, but also to wider community. Funding delivered rapidly and to wide benefit to local economy and residents.   Appropriate steps were taken to avoid fraud.