Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tony Edwards, Ash Malik and Lanie Shears.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

Councillor David Carter declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 9, Allotments, as a site rep for Harlow Allotment Association.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 February 2023 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

None.

The Vice Chair invited Councillor Charles to speak on the Economic Development Strategy.

Councillor Charles highlighted that the Strategy took an evidence-based approach. He noted that there were skill and educational attainment challenges within Harlow.

He was pleased with the strong SME business base that existed within Harlow and that 94 percent of new businesses survived their first year of trading. Harlow had a good story to tell.

In response to questions by the Committee, Councillor Charles said that the Council aimed to attract businesses which would enable retrofitting. The Council would act as a facilitator.

There was a long debate to be had about the type of growth the Council should look to attract. He favoured rapid growth, in part because of the challenges caused by the pandemic.

People commuted out of Harlow to higher paid jobs. This would always be a factor because of Harlow’s connections to London. However, Harlow could use its strategic placement near Stansted Airport to attract internationally focused businesses.

Councillor Charles said that the Strategy wouldn’t lose site of the existing employment base. The Council had supported HGV drivers throughout the pandemic and the Strategy identified HGV drivers and logistics as a sector important to Harlow.

RESOLVED that the Committee recommended to Cabinet that, subject to consultation, the draft Harlow Economic Development Strategy covering 2023 to 2028 (attached as Appendix A to the report) is adopted.

The Committee received a report on allotments.

RESOLVED that the Council promotes opportunities to work with suitable community groups to develop alternative compatible uses for unpopular allotment sites whilst retaining availability of traditional allotment lettings as described in Proposals section in the report.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan for 2022/23.

The Committee agreed to establish a Task and Finish Group to oversee the review on Housing Repairs. The Group would report back to the Committee meeting in September 2023. The Group would comprise of Councillors David Carter, Tony Edwards, Matthew Saggers and Lanie Shears.

RESOLVED that:

A    The work plan be noted.

B    A housing repairs task and finish group be established to report back to the September Committee meeting comprising Councillors David Carter, Tony Edwards, Matthew Saggers and Lanie Shears.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.