Decision details

Members considered the report on the update of Economic Development in Fenland and the amended recommendations presented by Councillor Mason. 

The amended recommendations were: 

·       Approve the referral of this matter to Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Panel, to conduct a review into the Economic Development function to help shape & inform the future Economic Development objectives, scope and the method of delivery.

·       That Cabinet endorse the commitment of the existing staffing budget of £47,000 and the additional £43,000 (totalling £90,000) as sought in the report to provide temporary staffing resources to supplement the remaining 0.5FTE as currently employed, until the conclusion of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel Review and such time as a future proposal has been agreed by Cabinet and new resourcing proposals are in place.

Councillor Hay seconded the amended recommendations. 

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows: 

·       Councillor Oliver stated that the amendment does not say if Overview & Scrutiny would be looking to seek or identify additional funding if they feel that additional officers are required, but just says that they will review it.   If there is a cost implication members need to know where that funding will come from and how much it would be.  Councillor Seaton agreed it was a valid point as it was something not yet agreed. 

·       Councillor Buckton asked what timescale will be set for the Overview & Scrutiny review.  Councillor Mason advised that it does not actually say in the report, but envisaged the end being January 2019; it was hoped to bring it forward, but it is still at the strategic assessment stage, so aiming for six months.  Councillor Buckton said that if we are seeking to employ temporary staff, once the advertising and selection of someone is put in place, if it is only six months, then that does not leave any time and it will be a very temporary contract. 

·       Councillor Seaton commented that members had not discussed fully about taking on temporary staff, and did not support taking the second recommendation forward. 

Following a vote, the majority of members did not support approval of the amended second recommendation. 

Cabinet AGREED to approve the referral of Economic Development Activity in Fenland to the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Panel, to conduct a review into the Economic Development function to help shape and inform the future Economic Development objectives, scope and the method of delivery.