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Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: The Council Chamber - City Hall, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR. View directions
Contact: Amy Rodwell Policy Committee Officer
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Welcome, Introductions and Safety Information Minutes: The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and did a round of introductions.
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Apologies for Absence and Substitutions Minutes: Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Tom Renhard and Councillor Fabian Breckels with Cllr Don Alexander as substitute.
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Declarations of Interest To note any declarations of interest from councillors. They are asked to indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.
Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting Minutes: Cllr Wells raised a comment on the minutes of the previous meeting on 30th September regarding the figures that were presented within item 9 (De-designation approach, performance update & Securing biodiversity net gain on Council owned land) which was not included.
It was agreed that the specific wording on this would be circulated after the meeting to be agreed by the Committee.
Cllr Brown noted that the WECA Investment Fund grant offer letter for the food and hospitality sector had been signed and work was underway, and the -designation request was being finalised and would be sent imminently. |
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Chair's Announcements To receive any announcements from the Chair. Minutes: The Chair noted that: · There were no Officer Decision Notices (ODNs) published within the remit of Economy & Skills since the last Committee meeting. · The St Nicholas Market Fees paper had been deferred to the next meeting of the Committee on 9th December to allow officers more time to process Member comments and update the report. · The West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) Local Plan was drafted over the summer and the Chair suggested that Members receive a briefing to update on this work. Action. · The Harbour Place Shaping Strategy consultation was due to conclude on 4th November and a workshop would take place with Members to prioritise actions for the strategy which would be brought to Committee on 17th February for decision. · The Western Harbour engagement consultation was due to conclude on 15th November and encouraged Members to take part and share with their networks.
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Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.
Any member of the public or councillor may participate in Public Forum. Public Forum items must relate to the remit of the committee and should be addressed to the Chair of the committee.
Members of the public who plan to attend a public meeting at City Hall are advised that you will be required to sign in when you arrive. Please note that you will be issued with a visitor pass which you will need to display at all times.
Please also note:
Questions 1. Written public questions must be received by 5.00 pm, at least 3 clear working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that questions must be received at the latest by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 29th October 2024. Please email questions to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk 2. Any individual can submit up to 3 written questions. 3. Written replies to questions will be available on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting. 4. At the meeting, questioners will be permitted to ask up to 2 oral supplementary questions.
Statements 1. Written statements must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that statements must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday 31st October 2024. Please email statements to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk 2. Statements, provided they are no more than 1,000 words in length, will be circulated to all committee members and will be published on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.
Petitions 1. Details of the wording of any petitions, and the number of signatories to petitions must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that petition details must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday 31st October 2024. Please email petition details to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk 2. At the meeting, individuals presenting petitions may be required to read out the objectives of the petition.
When submitting a question or statement please indicate whether you are planning to attend the meeting to present your statement ask your question
Minutes: It was noted that the Committee had received 9 Public Forum questions and 1 Public Forum Statements for this meeting as follows:
Questions:
· In response to supplementary questions from Martin Rands, officers confirmed that whilst there was an initial loan granted to Goram Homes when the company was set up, there was no loan in relation to the Baltic Wharf development specifically. · In response to supplementary questions from Dan Ackroyd, officers advised that the noise levels of the advertising screens would be considered when the tender process is undertaken and for any representations around adding noise as a consideration within environmental impact assessments should be directed to the Public Health & Communities Policy Committee. · In response to supplementary questions from John Tarlton, officers advised that the definition of brownfield land had been applied correctly to the Baltic Wharf site as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. · In response to supplementary question from Ann Hughes Devereaux, officers advised that spend for the Baltic Wharf development was for various construction costs which were all eligible under the brownfield land release fund. Statements:
Resolved; That the Public Forum be noted. |
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Bristol One Front Door and Future Bright Extension Funding To seek approval to hold detailed bid negotiations to secure grant funding from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) for local employment support services, including Bristol’s Skills Connect One Front Door that helps unemployed people to find work and Future Bright that supports people in employment to secure better paid work.
Additional documents:
Decision: The Committee RESOLVED: 1. To authorise the Head of Service Employment, Skills and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to negotiate with WECA and to accept and spend the employment support grant funding of up to £1,787m to deliver the Skills Connect One Front Door and Future Bright programmes as outlined in the report. Minutes: The Committee considered a report to seek approval to hold detailed bid negotiations to secure grant funding from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) for local employment support services.
Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:
· Officers confirmed that Bristol has approximately 25,000 economically inactive people, prompting the service to seek £1.787m from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to continue supporting the One Front Door and Future Bright employment initiatives for a further 2 years. · It was noted that the Council works in collaboration with WECA, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), local providers, and employers to enhance access to employment support. · It was confirmed that the service would provide both signposting and more in depth employment support depending on the needs of the individual, for 1800 Bristol residents. · Members asked about the name of the project and were advised that WECA were working towards the creation of a regional employment service so the name of these programmes could be subject to change as the project evolved, but that WECA were encouraging colleagues to use the name ‘Skills Connect’. · Members asked about the funding streams for this project and were advised that the new Universal Support funding from the DWP would aim to support individuals, particularly those with health conditions into employment. · There was a discussion around performance and evaluation of the project and Members noted that it had a 34% success rate, and were interested in how this compared to other local authorities. Officers noted that Bristol was the most successful in the region and the team were continuously looking for feedback in order to adapt and improve the project going forwards. · It was noted that there would be quarterly evaluations reports that could be made available to the Chair. · It was noted that the service work with the justice system to reduce reoffending through employment opportunities. · A Member raised an error within section 3.1 of the Equality Impact Assessment for the report regarding the impact on protected characteristics where the disproportionate impact on disability should be ticked ‘yes’. The Chair then moved the recommendations as set out in the report. Cllr Bartle seconded the motion.
The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously): 1. To authorise the Head of Service Employment, Skills and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to negotiate with WECA and to accept and spend the employment support grant funding of up to £1,787m to deliver the Skills Connect One Front Door and Future Bright programmes as outlined in the report. |
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Digital Advertising Screen Contract To seek approval to procure and award a contract for the operation of Digital Advertising Screens in Broadmead and other locations as appropriate. Additional documents:
Decision: The Committee RESOLVED: 1. To approve the proposal to procure and award a contract for the operation of Digital Advertising Screens in Broadmead and other locations as appropriate.
Contractual: 1. Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to procure and award the Digital Advertising Screens contract, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in the report. 2. Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in the report. Minutes: The Committee considered a report to seek approval to procure and award a contract for the operation of Digital Advertising Screens in Broadmead and other locations as appropriate.
Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:
· It was noted that the current contract was due to expire in March 2025. · It was noted that there were currently 34 screens across 17 locations which generated £372k per year and it was estimated that with a new contract, the council could see up to £500k in revenue. · The new contract would include updated terms around social value. · Officers confirmed that the council’s Advertising & Sponsorship Policy would be reviewed in 2025, and the contract awarded would include a condition that would ensure it be responsive to the policy in place at that time, so therefore any updates would apply. · It was confirmed that if a contract is awarded to a new provider, then the existing advertising screens would need to be replaced, but these must meet the latest specifications to minimise noise and remove any outdated technology. · Members raised concerns on vandalism of the current screens, and it was confirmed that a new contract would include provisions for timely repairs and maintenance. · Members expressed concerns around the impacts of advertising on public health and wellbeing but recognised the need for revenue. · Members welcomed the focus on future advertising that would offer better social value through promoting local businesses and council campaigns such as mental health, women’s safety, and the nighttime economy. · It was noted that the review of the strategy would go through the Strategy & Resources Committee for approval and that it was currently being reviewed by the University of Bristol. The Chair then moved the recommendations as set out in the report. Cllr Weston seconded the motion.
The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously): 1. To approve the proposal to procure and award a contract for the operation of Digital Advertising Screens in Broadmead and other locations as appropriate. Contractual: 2. Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to procure and award the Digital Advertising Screens contract, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in the report. 3. Authorised the Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in the report. The meeting was adjourned 4:35pm.
The meeting reconvened at 4:44pm. |
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Finance update report P5 2024/25 The Council Revenue and Capital budget for 2024/25 was agreed by Full Council on 21 February 2024.This report presents to the Economy and Skills Committee the financial forecast at Period 5 / Quarter 2 (P5/Q2) against the budget as at the end of August 2024.
Additional documents: Decision: The Committee RESOLVED: 1. To note the contents of the report, on the provisional P5 outturn position for budgets within the remit of the Economy and Skills Committee. Minutes: The Committee received an update on the financial forecast at Period 5 / Quarter 2 against the budget as at the end of August 2024 within the remit of the Economy & Skills Policy Committee.
Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:
· Officers noted that there was £51,000 undelivered savings target related to markets income which was currently under review. · Officers noted that there was a revised budget of £36.2m with 15% expenditure reported so far and the underspend of £14.1m was as a result of various projects including Temple Quarter and Avon flood defences. · Members raised an error in the report the report in relation the Bedminster Green regeneration spend, and officers clarified that the full budget for this project was expected to be spent in financial year 2025/26. · Members raised concerns around the clarity and presentation of the financial data within the report and asked that more qualitative commentary and narrative be added to improve understanding. · Officers acknowledged Members frustrations and noted that the reports were slightly retrospective due to reporting cycles, but discussions were taking place to improve finance reports for all Policy Committees going forwards. · It was noted that due to the cross cutting nature of the Committee’s remit, the report covered the relevant budgets within Growth & Regeneration and did not include the Employment, Skills, and Lifelong Learning service. The Committee RESOLVED:
1. To note the contents of the report, on the provisional P5 outturn position for budgets within the remit of the Economy and Skills Committee.
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Corporate Risk Management Report - Quarter 2, 2024/25 The report provides an update on current significant strategic risks relevant to the Economy and Skills Committee. The risks relate to achieving objectives set in the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and the report summarises progress in managing the risks and actions being taken as at Quarter 2 2024-25. Additional documents:
Decision: The Committee RESOLVED: 1. To note the report. Minutes: The Committee received an update on the current significant strategic risks relevant to the Economy and Skills Committee at Quarter 2.
Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:
· Officers confirmed that there were two threat risks within the remit of Economy & Skills which remained static, and advised that there were new mitigating actions that had been included within the report for Quarter 2. · The Chair noted that due to reporting cycles, the risk items in the report did not accurately reflect the current situation as they had been produced in August 2024. · Members queried why risk CRR59 (Failure to deliver timely statutory planning decisions) had not improved since the last quarter and officers advised that whilst the service had cleared the backlog, the risk remained static as they were still in the process of seeking de-designation. The Committee RESOLVED:
1. To note the report.
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Performance Management Report Q1 24/25 To brief the Economy and Skills Committee on performance against the BCC Business Plan as relevant to the remit of this Committee, for Q1 2024/25, and for Members to note areas of specific interest or concern with relevant Directors. Additional documents: Decision: The Committee RESOLVED: 1. To note the performance against the Business Plan relevant to the Economy & Skills Policy Committee, including issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services. Minutes: The Committee received an update on performance against the BCC Business Plan as relevant to the remit of the Economy & Skills Policy Committee for Quarter 1.
Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:
· Officers highlighted the performance metrics that were within the remit of Economy & Skills which were overall on target. · Areas of concern included NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates which was below target, though showing improvement over the last five years, and Work Experience Opportunities for Priority Groups which was below target, with ongoing efforts to address the issue. · Members noted the importance of addressing the low uptake of early education entitlement places and highlighted the need for employer engagement to improve work experience opportunities for students, particularly in disadvantaged areas of the city. · Officers explained the ‘cradle to career’ approach in the service to improve early intervention for young people, and suggested a collaborative approach alongside the Children and Young People Policy Committee. · The Chair suggested that the Committee receive a briefing to update on the Temple Quarter Regeneration in due course. · Members raised concerns around the performance item BPPM506 – ‘Increase the level of social value generated from procurement and other council expenditure’ as it was not always clear what social value had been delivered. It was suggested that a detailed breakdown of social value contributions be provided to ensure transparency and accountability. · Members highlighted the good work that the Committee had recently undertook on developing a new Economic Strategy for the city. The Committee RESOLVED:
1. To note the performance against the Business Plan relevant to the Economy & Skills Policy Committee, including issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services.
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