Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors Lisa Allen, Jenny Nedwell, Tim O’Kane and Paddy Short.

Councillors June Harrison and Bernard Dawson attended the meeting as substitute representatives for Councillors Jenny Nedwell and Paddy Short respectively.

There were no declarations of interest or dispensations.

Councillor Abdul Khan indicated that due to sight problems, he was unable to chair the meeting and requested that a replacement Chair be appointed for the meeting only.

Resolved                               -   That Councillor Stephen Button be appointed Chair for the meeting only.

(Councillor Button thereupon took the Chair)

To submit the Minutes of the meeting of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6^th September 2016 for approval as a correct record.

Recommended                     -   That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6^th September 2016 were submitted for approval as a correct record.

Resolved                               -   That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.

To submit a report relating to Accrington Town Centre.

Recommended                     -   That the report be considered and a decision made on whether to further scrutinise any issues raised.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer submitted a report relating to the viability of Accrington Town Centre.  The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration (Councillor Clare Cleary) reported on brief information she had received on the following range of topics:-

·         Town Centre Investment

·         Heritage Square

·         Bus Station and Public Transport Links

·         Market Hall / Town Hall

·         Night Time Economy

·         Licensing Issues and Late Night Licensing

·         Business Rates

·         Retailer Profile / Shop Rents / Shop Vacancies

The Committee was requested to consider whether or not it wished to carry out an in-depth scrutiny review on any of the above issues by way of establishing a Scrutiny Panel or by considering them at future Committee meetings.  Responses were given in relation to the following issues raised by the Committee:-

v  Take up of Market Stalls

v  Effect of Relocation of Bus Station on the Market Hall

v  Temporary Traffic System in the Town Centre

v  Consultation and Information Sharing

v  Social Media e.g. Hyndburn Chat

v  Accrington Town Team

v  Public Toilet Facilities for the Disabled

Resolved                           (1)   That a progress report on Accrington Town Centre Viability be submitted to a meeting of the Committee in October 2017;  and,

                                            (2)   That updates on Accrington Town Centre issues be circulated with the Agenda for each meeting of the Committee until the submission of the full progress report in October 2017.

To submit an update report on progress made in delivering the Regeneration and Housing Service.

Recommended                     -   That the report be noted and the comments of the Committee on progress made with the delivery of the Regeneration and Housing Business Plan be sought.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration submitted an update report on progress made with the delivery of the Regeneration and Housing Service.  The Business Plan which set out the Service’s key objections with regard to the Council’s Corporate Strategy and was reviewed at least annually was appended to the report.     Responses were given in relation to the following issues raised by the Committee:-

·         Investments and Improvements to the Arndale Centre

·         Expansion of Selective Licensing Scheme

·         Woodnook Redevelopment and Private Landlords

·         Pendle Street, Accrington

·         Disabled Facilities Grants

·         Empty Buildings

·         Business Rates

·         Project Phoenix

·         Domestic Violence Units

·         Haworth Art Gallery and Stables

The Head of Regeneration and Housing indicated that he would provide the Overview and Scrutiny Officer with written responses to questions relating to car parking at the Arndale Centre, use of Civic Square and land / buildings detrimental to amenity of the neighbourhood for circulation to the Committee.

Resolved                               -   That the report be noted.

Recommended                     -   That, in accordance with Section 100A(4)  Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item, when it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings that there will otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraph at Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the item.

Resolved                               -   That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item, when it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, that there would otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraph at Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the item.

(The report will contain exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3  -  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information))

To update the Committee on Asset Activity.

 Recommended                    -   That the report be considered.

Exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3  -  Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regeneration submitted an update report relating to the disposal of Council assets which was carried out on a demand basis and in response to market forces.  Responses were given in relation to the following issues raised by the Committee:-

·         Land Adjoining Bridge Inn, Church

·         Disposal of Land or Buildings

·         Land Assets Review and Resultant Capital Receipts

·         Disposal of Assets Not Included in Land Assets Review Report

·         Sadler Street Industrial Estate Units, Church

·         Proposals for Steiner Street, Accrington

·         Council Offices, Cannon Street, Accrington

·         Land at Yorkshire Street, Huncoat

·         Marketing of Assets

·         One-Bedroomed Accommodation

Resolved                               -   That the report be noted.