Issue - meetings

Planning and Economic Development Portfolio

To consider report PES/391 of the Head of Economy and Planning, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 22 November 2021.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approves the final version of the “One Town” Crawley Economic Recovery Plan 2022-2037 (Appendix A of report PES/391) and to adopt it as Council policy.

Reasons for the Recommendations

Cabinet approval is sought to enable adoption of the “One Town” Crawley Economic Recovery Plan 2022-2037 as Council policy.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development presented report PES/391.  In March 2021, the Cabinet gave approval for the draft Economic Recovery Plan to go out to consultation. The draft Plan outlined a vision for Crawley's future prosperity and recovery from the pandemic and proposed a number of schemes for delivery, setting out strategic priorities. The report presented the findings of that consultation together with a final version of the Crawley 'One Town' Economic Recovery Plan, for approval and publication. 

Councillor T Belben presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 22 November 2021, which included putting forward to Cabinet a recommendation that:

“the partnership contributions of Metrobus and West SussexCC to the Crawley Growth Programme should be more explicitly referenced in this document (the One Town Crawley Economic Recovery Plan – Consultation Findings & Final Version)”.

It was noted that the reason for the Commission’s proposal was that whilst supporting the Recovery Plan, it was felt that it did not give credit to the Council.

Councillor Crow was invited to speak to the item, supporting the comments of the Commission.

Councillors Irvine and Lamb both spoke on the report and the proposal of the Commission. Councillor P Smith, in summing up the views expressed, stated that the 'One Town' Economic Recovery Plan was a Crawley Borough Council plan but worked in conjunction with partners, not all of whom were fully highlighted or referenced in the way the Commission referenced (including key partners the Arora Group or the Manor Royal Business District along with West Sussex CC). The Council works well with its partners and always credits them appropriately, but the Plan was supported and driven by Crawley Borough Council and this should be acknowledged accordingly.

Following the discussion, the Cabinet unanimously voted to reject the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s proposed change.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approves the final version of the “One Town” Crawley Economic Recovery Plan 2022-2037 (Appendix A of report PES/391) and adopts it as Council policy.

Reasons for the Recommendations

Cabinet approval is sought to enable adoption of the “One Town” Crawley Economic Recovery Plan 2022-2037 as Council policy.

To consider report PES/391 of the Head of Economy and Planning.

The Commission considered report PES/391 of the Head of Economy and Planning. In March 2021, Cabinet gave approval for the draft Economic Recovery Plan to go out to consultation. The draft Plan outlined a vision for Crawley's future prosperity and recovery from the pandemic and proposed a number of schemes for delivery, setting out strategic priorities. The report presents the findings of that consultation together with a final version of the Crawley 'One Town' Economic Recovery Plan, for approval and publication. 

During the discussion with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development and the Head of Economy and Planning, Councillors made the following comments:

·         Acknowledgement that the ‘One Town’ Crawley Economic Recovery Plan was an overarching strategic framework for Crawley’s economic recovery and for the following existing economic regeneration programmes and policies: Crawley Growth Programme, Crawley Town Investment Programme, Crawley Town Centre Regeneration Programme and Crawley Employment & Skills Programme.

·         Following the conclusion of the consultation a glossary of terms had been created together with a timeline for the delivery of the interventions and the funding allocations.

·         Key partners were recognised and highlighted throughout the individual projects within the specific documents.

·         It was commented it would be beneficial to see quantifiable contributions from the different partners as a reminder of the amount from each contributor.

·         Recognition that the recovery plan would tie in the needs and actions of the climate emergency action plan.

·         Acknowledgement that there was firm commitment to invest in modernisation of the Crawley College campus and education programmes including degree syllabus, STEM centre along with new apprenticeships and identifying future employment opportunities.

·         It was felt the ‘joined up approach to recovery’ lacked some other stakeholders and partners representation. The Crawley Growth Programme was one of four initiatives referenced. WSCC and Metrobus were key deliverables in this and yet they did not feature to the same extent. As a result, it was moved by Councillor Lanzer (seconded by Councillor Pendlington) that:

“the partnership contributions of Metrobus and WSCC to the Crawley Growth Programme should be more explicitly referenced in this document (the One Town Crawley Economic Recovery Plan – Consultation Findings & Final Version)”. 

Following a vote being put to the Commission, the proposal was declared as carried.   

RESOLVED

That the Commission noted the report and requested that the views expressed during the debate, were fed back to the Cabinet through the Commission’s Comment sheet with the additional recommendation above.