Policy and Project Advisory Board - Wednesday, 15th March, 2023 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 31st January, 2023 (copy attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 31st January, 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive an update from Rachel Barker, Assistant Chief Executive on the current situation with the refresh of the Council Business Plan (draft copy attached).

Rachel Barker, Assistant Chief Executive, gave a report on the current position with the Council Business Plan.

It was advised that the three year plan underwent a refresh annually and following the Outcomes Based Budgeting process, undertaken earlier in the year, and the call for evidence from the Board at its November meeting, the Board were being asked to consider the challenges and opportunities set out in the draft Plan. 

The Board noted the key projects and activities, set out in the Plan and were apprised of the BRAG (Blue, Red, Amber, Green) status as set out in the Council Business Plan Monitoring Report.

Following discussion, it was noted that:

·         The definition of the Local Plan versus the Council Plan would be made clear

·         Data on education would be circulated to the Board

·         Work was underway with the Equality and Diversity Champion to help address the targeted work relating to surveys

·         Local Mental Health data would be shared with the Board

·         Data on population density would be requested

The Chairman thanked Ms Barker for her report.

To receive a presentation from Rachel Barker, Assistant Chief Executive, on the current position with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Board received an update from Ms Barker on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Since the previous meeting at which the UKSPF had been discussed, it was noted that  a number of changes had taken place, these included; confirmation of the UKSPF Investment Plans in early January 2023, changes to the Council’s financial position following the Outcomes Based Budgeting process, confirmation of the Levelling Up funding for Farnborough Town Centre and the commencement of benchmarking work on the outcomes of the Annual Residents Survey. It was advised that the funding allocation had remained the same, (£34,000 in 2022/23, £64,000 in 2023/24 and £898,000 in 2024/25) however, it had been possible to roll over the allocation for 2022/23 into 2023/24 as required.

The Board reviewed the Investment Plan and were advised on how the Council’s identified projects had been aligned with the Government’s interventions. It was noted that there was an ability to adjust funding allocations locally, however,  if a sizable sum needed to be moved to a different intervention this would require agreement from Government. It was advised that budgets were set within the parameters of the allocation and projects would be managed to ensure spend didn’t exceed the budget, any underspend would need to be returned.

The Board were asked to agree the proposed project development plan, governance arrangements and role of the Board as follows:

·         Development of project detail for Years 1 and 2 – March/April 2023

·         Review Project Plan for Years 1 and 2 and reflect on process for year 3 – Policy and Project Advisory Board meeting June 2023

·         Consider Project Plan for Year 3 – July/September 2023

·         Progress reports presented to the Board for noting on a six monthly basis – commencing September 2023

In response to a query regarding the community grant scheme element, consideration would be given to how this would be ran and a criteria developed for securing funds.

The Chairman thanked Ms Barker for her presentation.

To discuss the Policy and Project Advisory Board Work Plan (copy attached).

The Board noted the current Work Plan.

It was noted that an annual review Progress Group meeting would take place on 28^th March, 2023 to review the Work Plan in full and identify potential items for the New Municipal Year.