{Disestablished Committee} - Community Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Read the Minutes

5 March 2007

Present:

• Councillor Barrett - In the Chair 
• Councillors Bethell, Keegan, Longsden, Siddiqi and John Smith 

Also Present by invitation:

• Councillor E Newman, Executive Member for Housing 
• Councillor Swannick, Executive Member for Planning and Environment

CRO/07/10 Minutes

Decision

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2007.

CRO/07/11 Urgent Business

Decision

1. To consider reports on the Guide to Development 2, Local Area Agreement and Gender Equality Scheme as urgent business in order that the Executive may be advised of any views of the Committee prior to its consideration of the issues at its meeting on 14 March 2007.

2. To consider a report on the Work Programme 2007/08 in order that arrangements can now start to be put in place in accordance with the proposals.

CRO/07/12 City Strategy Operational Plan

Members considered a report updating them on the production of the City Strategy Operational Plan for Manchester.

A member referred to the recently published Freud Report and the officers explained that the City Strategy was entirely in tune the line being promoted in the report.

Training would be provided through existing provider contracts but action would be taken to ensure that this catered to the individual needs of trainees and employers. The package would also include an element of continuing support for people who were successful in entering employment.

Decision

To note the report.

CRO/07/13 South Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework

A report was submitted on progress on the development of a Strategic Regeneration Framework for South Manchester and informing Members about the public consultation process, which is currently taking place.

In reference to the Public Agencies Forum, it was explained that this was primarily concerned with delivery of the Framework in operational terms. Member engagement would be through the Steering group, which had been set up to guide development of the Framework, and through the Ward Co-ordination process.

Decision

To note the report.

CRO/07/14 Affordable Housing

The Director of Housing gave a presentation on the development of the affordable Housing Strategy. The work was still awaiting input from the outcome of the housing need and demand survey, which took place in January and it was hoped that the first draft would be ready for consultation in late spring.

In discussion of the cost of rented accommodation across the city, it was explained that the strategy would seek to address the different issues of affordability in different areas of the city together with the need to deliver increased choice and diversity.

Members were concerned to ensure that residents were able to access all the support, which was currently available and had the relevant information to enable them properly to assess rental levels in the private sector. The Deputy Chief Executive agreed to circulate a note, which would help members advise residents on the services and options available to them.

Decision

To note progress and welcome further consultation as the strategy is developed.

CRO/07/15 Guide to Development 2

A report was submitted outlining the amendments made to the Guide to Development in Manchester Supplementary Planning Document (Final Draft) as a result of the formal consultation process and presenting the Guide for approval in principle prior to adoption as SPD.

Members were concerned at the extent to which the Guide would help the Council influence the shape of new developments and the Head of Planning pointed out that, whilst only guidance, because it was linked to the development Plan it put the Council in a stronger position in its discussions with developers.

Decision

To endorse the proposed Guide.

CRO/07/16 Local Area Agreement

Members considered a report setting out proposals for the investment of 2007/08 Local Area Agreement (LAA) resources that have been made available to Manchester by the Government.

Members queried the monitoring arrangements and it was pointed out that, not only would the Thematic partnerships be actively involved in ensuring that agreed outcomes were delivered, Overview and Scrutiny Committees had the opportunity to play a positive role in this.

Decision

To agree the proposals in the report.

CRO/07/17 New East Manchester - Interim Evaluation

A report was submitted describing the progress that has been made to date in terms of the regeneration of East Manchester and providing details of the Interim Evaluation of New East Manchester. The report also set out the actions being taken to respond to the outcomes of the evaluation, including details of the proposals to undertake a periodic review of the East Manchester Strategic Regeneration Framework.

The Deputy Chief Executive of New East Manchester explained discussions, which were taking place with English Partnerships and other partners to secure continuing commitment and resources beyond 2010. Members agreed that the continuing input of public sector resources was essential to secure the sustained regeneration of the area and stressed the importance maintaining a positive approach in refuting arguments that Manchester had already had its fair share of resources and promoting the continuing need for investment not just in New East Manchester but across the city as a whole.

Decision

To note the report.

CRO/07/18 Gender Equality Scheme

Manchester City Council's first Gender Equality Scheme and three-year action plan was submitted. The strategy was in its early stages of development to give members an opportunity to shape the strategic direction and overall objectives of the scheme.

Decision

To endorse the report.

CRO/07/19 Work Programme 2007

Members considered proposed new arrangements for developing future Overview and Scrutiny work programmes.

With reference to the proposals for a suggestion scheme, it was confirmed that where a suggestion had been included in the agreed programme, the people who had put forward the idea would be advised so that they could help contribute to the review process.

Decision

To agree the proposed approach.

CRO/07/20 Chair - Councillor Barrett

Councillor Barrett mentioned that this would be his last meeting as Chair of the Committee. He thanked Members, Committee Services' staff and the Deputy Chief Executive and his team for all their support over the last four years and wished them well for the future.

Members expressed their appreciation for Councillor Barrett's work as Chair and the Deputy Chief Executive added his thanks on behalf of the officers.