Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2023 were signed as a correct record.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda, in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None declared.

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm on a working day, allowing two clear working days before the day of the meeting.

None received.

To hear representations from members of the public on items which appear on the agenda – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None received.

To receive verbal updates on each programme.

Kevin Kerrigan, Programme Director for Workington provided a verbal update on the Workington Town Deal. Members were advised that the second round of funding had been successful for the Ramsay Brow project which would provide HGV access to the Port of Workington.

Updates were also provided to members relating to the public realm improvements, the West Cumbria Sports Village, the Port of Workington project and the Innovation Centre.

Members asked questions relating to timetable of the Ramsay Brow project including milestones such as the purchase of buildings and a proposed new cycle route.

Members expressed concern at the inflation of costs, and, in respect of the Sports Village, the increasingly tight timetable for delivering this project within the programme period.

Brendan Carlin, - Assistant Chief Executive (Innovation and Commercial) then provided an update presentation on the regeneration programme for Maryport.

An overview was provided on the projects including the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) schemes and the Future High Street Projects, including 1 Senhouse Street, Christchurch and the Wave Centre. Members were advised that underspend from the Empire Yard project would be used to support the other ongoing capital projects. The contract award for the capital works for the Carlton and Christchurch would be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Executive on 28 February 2023, with the Boardwalk expected to be on the agenda for the meeting on 15 March 2023.

Agreed

That the update presentations be noted.

The Committee received an annual update report from the Executive member for Policy, Governance and People Resources on the Cumbria Safety Partnership (CSP).

Members noted that the future arrangements seemed very uncertain; the PCC had withdrawn funding and, apparently, interest in the Partnership and seemed to be focussing attention on the Police Multi-Agency Hubs: it was not at all clear what the relationship was between these Hubs and CSP, if any.

Officers advised that going forward, the CSP would come under the remit of the Director of Public Health and the CSP funding may need to come from Cumberland Council.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

To receive a verbal update.

The Strategic Advisor – Corporate Policy provided a verbal update on measures being taken to address the cost of living crisis.

The update summarised the current packages of support which included grants to the food banks, winter warmth schemes, West Cumbria Domestic Violence, Time to Change, Healthy Hopes and Groundworks.

Additional funding had been provided to the Council’s homelessness team.

Agreed

That the update be noted.

The Strategic Advisor – Corporate Policy provided a verbal update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The Budget had been considered by the Shadow Executive and was due to be approved by the Shadow Authority on 01 March 2023.

Members were also advised of the new branding regime, website and ICT updates and the HR Induction Plans.

Agreed

That the update be noted.

The forward plan was noted.

Members noted the work programme and discussed the expected items for the next meeting.

Members discussed ‘Outside Bodies’ and potential issues surrounding those for the new Cumberland Council.

The Committee noted an update on the third and final TFG - Democratic Participation in Voting due to be completed very soon. A final report would be brought to Committee on 17 March 2023.