Agenda item

To receive an oral update from the Portfolio Holders on developments within their Portfolio areas, including Performance Dashboards.

The Panel received updates from Portfolio Holders:

Portfolio Holder for Finance, Investment and Corporate Services

It was reported that the Platinum Jubilee Business Park in Ringwood was coming close to completion, with lots of serious interest from prospective leaseholders. Some minor issues with the windows and electricity supply had arisen but these would shortly be resolved.  There were some aspects in the Performance Dashboards which reflected concerns due to current financial uncertainties, though overall he felt the Council was in a comfortable position.

Reference was made to the Dashboards in relation to the availability of suitable investment opportunities within the New Forest. It was reported that  the Council was becoming well known in the agents’ network, with contacts being made about off market assets, and the Portfolio Holder (PH) was pleased with the way Officers were operating with this aspect.

In response to a question on Hybrid Working, it was explained this issue was still under review, as employee / employer preferences requirements and working patterns continued to evolve. It was felt the current balance between office / home working at NFDC was a good one, and attractive to many sectors in terms of recruitment. It was reported that practice across and within private and public sectors varied widely.  The Council as an employer was aware of the benefits of maintaining social contact, and had arranged various events (eg the recent staff Christmas quiz) to promote this, as well as encouraging Team Days and following up with an employee survey to understand the effects on staff.  Contact with teams was especially important with new starters.

In answer to a question, it was explained that Energy Rebate Scheme payments had been completed within the timescales required and a similar scheme was imminent. The Portfolio Holder emphasised that NFDC was a high performer in Hampshire and nationally, in administering grants to the community speedily and effectively.   Members paid tribute to Ryan Stevens and the Revenue and Benefits team in this regard.

A member gave positive feedback in respect of the Parade at Totton, as a tenant felt things had improved since NFDC had become involved in its management.  It was further explained that in relation to another property in Totton acquired by the Council, the flats were managed by Housing, but the PH undertook to provide an update on the commercial property.

It was reported that the financial settlement was slightly better than expected, though it was not yet clear whether this was a 1 year settlement.  The figure stated was £699k (3% funding guarantee grant), and the council looked to have a balanced budget for the forthcoming year.

In answer to a question on the projected Council Tax level for 2023/24, the Portfolio Holder indicated that currently he was of the view that the Council would need to  continue to apply the annual allowable uprating, in order to keep up with inflationary pressures including pay awards. 

Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism and High Streets

The e - letter to 4k businesses was very valuable.  The Shop Doctor programme would continue in 6 areas over the forthcoming year and the Council’s continuing Business Startup initiative offered guidance.

The PH referred to the Enterprise Centre which was an interesting project and suggested that its future operation might be the subject of a Task and Finish Group review.

It was suggested that a magazine be created for distribution to businesses at meetings with chambers of commerce.

A number of members expressed concern about the loss of high street retail premises to housing, and the Portfolio Holder was asked whether there were any measures planned to mitigate this.  It was explained that this was to some extent in the control of the landlord, though were some planning constraints. In this connection, Members were encouraged to attend the Workshop later that day to feed into the next Local Plan.