MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr J H Fleming (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mr C H Lillywhite, Mr A J Mundy, Mr R C Richards, Mr D G Williams
Apologies :
Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr K Pearson
Portfolio Holder :
Mrs M A Jarman, Mr H Rees
Also Present (Non Voting) :
Mrs S A Smart
51. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2002 be confirmed.
52. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Mr C Hancock declared a personal interest in Minute 54 - Isle of Wight Economic Partnership report as a Director of North Medina Development Trust
Mr H Rees declared a personal interest in Minute 54 - Isle of Wight Economic Partnership report as a Director of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership
Mrs S Smart declared a personal interest in Minute 54 - Isle of Wight Economic Partnership report as a Director of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership
53. ISLE OF WIGHT ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP REPORT
The Select Committee received the report of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership (IWEP) on the findings of the Ernst and Young Audit of the Isle of Wight Partnership finances for 2001-2002.
Mr Danny Fisher, the Chairman of the IWEP reported on the findings of the audit. It was noted that this had been required following the restructuring of the Isle of Wight Partnership in November 2001. Mr Fisher reported that the Audited Accounts would be signed off by the IWEP board in January 2003 and would then be published. Members asked that once finalised by the Board the accounts be brought back to the Select Committee for consideration.
Members were advised that the majority of the Partnerships activity was audited independently at both local and regional level. Concern was raised regarding the total cost of the IWEP to the Council, Mr Fisher confirmed that the cost could be seen clearly in the accounts.
During discussion it was agreed that the transfer of information between the Council and the IWEP required improvement. It was suggested that a meeting between the Chairman and officers be arranged to develop appropriate mechanisms to achieve this. In addition Members requested that the most recent months minutes of the IWEP board meetings be circulated.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted and that the Select Committee continue to support the activities of the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership
Members agreed to then consider the report of the - Update on Hampshire - Isle of Wight - West Sussex Office in Brussels
54. UPDATE ON HAMPSHIRE - ISLE OF WIGHT - WEST SUSSEX OFFICE IN BRUSSELS
The Chairman welcomed Mrs Daniella Terruso, European Liaison Officer to the meeting. The Select Committee received a presentation which highlighted the current services provided by the Brussels Office and future issues likely to be discussed in 2003-2004. The objective of the Islands involvement in the Brussels office was to keep Members informed of European issues and changes in policy and legislation which may affect future decisions of the Council. In addition the Islands participation in the Brussels Office helped to raise awareness of local issues in Brussels.
The Select Committee were advised that the cost of the office was £102,000 per year of which the Isle of Wight Council was committed to contribute £20,000 per year until 2005. In discussion it was noted that the office was shared with West Sussex County Council, Hampshire County Council, as a partner of the office the Isle of Wight Council was kept informed and involved in a variety of ways, including :
Notice regarding events in Brussels
Euroflash weekly Newsletter
Email service
Policy analysis
Funding guidance and partner searching
Monthly MEP newsletter
In discussion, the Select Committee supported the work done by the office. Mrs Terruso encouraged Members to use the office as a resource and to keep involved in European issues
RESOLVED :
THAT the Select Committee continue to support the work of the Brussels Office
Members agreed to then return to the second part of the IWEP report which focussed on regeneration activities
55. ISLE OF WIGHT ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP REPORT
The Select Committee received the report of the IWEP outlining the current regeneration activities being delivered on the Island. The projects were outlined together with the Area Regeneration annual report for the year 2001-2002. The Committee were advised of the processes involved when an application was submitted. In addition Members were advised that there were strong criteria to which the regeneration programmes must adhere.
During discussion, it was again highlighted that the lines of communication between the IWEP and Council needed to be improved. It was noted that a fact finding visit to the IWEP offices would be undertaken to create stronger mechanisms to ensure that information was shared.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
CHAIRMAN