Decision details

Covid-19 Recovery Working Party - 23 July and 8 September 2020

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Following the establishment of this Working Party by Cabinet on 22 June 2020, this report included the various points raised at the meeting of the Working Party held on 23 July 2020 for approaching the review to help tackle the Council’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision:

The Cabinet

 

            RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          A reliable database of skills shortage is compiled so that the District can effectively play its part in recovering and continuing the economic wellbeing of businesses and residents in the future.  The Arun Business Partnership should be involved in this process;

(2)          a further study is initiated into the convergence of the results of the survey of skills shortages with the extra Government funding for “Skills Academies”;

(3)          the “Climate Change and Sustainability Manager” (when appointed) should fully engage with local enterprises in the drive for economic recovery including “green” insulation and heating for homes, business premises and public buildings and other emerging innovations and new products;

 

(4)          The Planning Policy Sub-Committee consider how the provision of higher numbers of self-catering units for families and individuals in the District might be increased;

(5)          The Council supports the emergency provision of IT equipment to disadvantaged pupils and students. It is thereforerecommended that Cabinet seeks clarification from West Sussex County Council about any plans it has to continue the supply of IT equipment to disadvantaged pupils in schools or colleges;

 

(6)          Agreement be given to seek the approval of the Council to seek a Commercial Buyer of the Sussex by the Sea brand;

 

(7)          Approval be given to consult with Parish and Town Councils to establish their capability and willingness to continue to provide Community Hubs for the future to ensure that community/social support gained during the emergency are not lost;

 

(8)           Reviews take place on the previous strategies for the two seafronts to:

·         Re-examine the 2016 Bognor Regis Seafront Delivery Plan and prioritise a series of deliverable interventions and actions

·         Re-examine the 2014 Nine Big Ideas for Littlehampton, Concept Investment Plan and the 2016 Seafront Greens and Promenade project ideas and identify ways to progress the recommendations into deliverable projects;

 

(9)          the emerging heightened importance of the appointment of a Climate Change and Sustainability Manager to deliver a green, carbon neutral plan for the District is noted;

 

(10)       a study is commissioned aimed at gaining improved synergy from the numerous “bio-diversity” groups within the District so that better value is obtained from the District’s contributions to their diverse interests and activities; and

 

(11)       When the full and final recommendations from the Government’s independent review are published the Council establishes a Working Party to consider a food strategy for local implementation; and

 

(12)       The Working Party to not confirm future meeting dates at this time but be able to meet when needed in light of the changing factors surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

 

Report author: Nigel Lynn

Publication date: 21/09/2020

Date of decision: 21/09/2020

Decided at meeting: 21/09/2020 - Cabinet

Effective from: 01/10/2020

Accompanying Documents: