Agenda item

To receive an update from representatives from Norfolk County Council.

The Chairman welcomed Vince Muspratt and Eliska Cheeseman to the Meeting who provided an update on the Norfolk Rural Development Strategy, West Norfolk Local Action Group and other support for accessing EU funding.

A copy of the presentation is attached at Appendix 1.

The Chairman thanked officers for their presentation and invited questions and comments from the Panel as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh it was explained that the West Norfolk Local Action Group comprised 50% private sector representatives, a Borough Council representative (the Economic Development Officer), representatives from the National Farmers Union and Community Action Norfolk and was supported by officers from Norfolk County Council.  Eliska Cheeseman explained that it would be beneficial if there were more private sector representatives on the Group and informed those present that if they knew anyone who would like to be involved to contact her. 

In response to a further question from Councillor Baron Chenery of Horsbrugh regarding Broadband and Mobile Phone coverage, it was explained that a Digital Divide Group had been established and were campaigning for broadband and mobile coverage improvements.  Eliska Cheeseman explained that the group received the roll out plans and downtimes from the main mobile providers and had received presentations from them.  She explained that sometimes there were down time periods of about six weeks during reconfiguration of masts and infrastructure.  The Digital Divide Group was campaigning for increased mobile coverage in rural areas.

Councillor Mrs Watson explained that she was concerned with housing needs.  She felt that it was problematic on the Coast as there was little affordable housing provision and social housing was being sold.  She commented that it was important to provide affordable homes along the Coast to enable people to remain in the area.  Eliska Cheeseman explained that this had been recognised as an issue in the Rural Development Strategy and there was a need to provide housing so that young people did not leave the area due to lack of appropriate housing.  The Panel was informed that this was not something that the private sector could solve alone, so incentives could be looked at on how social housing could be provided and business owners could investigate how the needs of their labour forces could be met.

Vince Muspratt commented that the Rural Development Strategy would not solve all problems, but it could help communities to develop ways of working together.  The funding available for communities could assist them in looking at housing needs and communities could carry out initiatives or create Community Housing Trusts if they were willing to become involved and take ownership.  The Vice Chairman, Councillor Mrs Wright asked if this was something that Borough Councillors could promote within their Constituency and it was explained that the option could be explored and if there was a desire to proceed there was the possibility that some funding could be available.

In response to a question from the Vice Chairman, Eliska Cheeseman provided an example of the types of businesses which could benefit from ESF and ERDF Funding.  She explained that it would be available to businesses looking to grow and create jobs within the key sector areas.  There were few restrictions, only that the business had to be small and retail businesses were excluded.  The LEADER grant funding was available in rural areas and grant applications were considered by the Local Action Group.  The West Norfolk Local Action Group had identified six priority areas as set out in the presentation.

Councillor Tilbury commented that the funding opportunities seemed to be relatively small scale and was informed by Vice Muspratt that there was funding available from the Local Enterprise Partnership for larger scale development.  The LEADER, ESF and ERDF funding was working from the bottom up and focussed on micro businesses which were unable to compete for bigger funding opportunities.  Vince Muspratt explained that Norfolk County Council officers were available to provide advice and guidance to businesses who wanted to bid for funding.

Councillor Tilbury commented that until this meeting he was unaware of the existence of the West Norfolk Local Action Group.  Vince Muspratt explained that it had been a challenge to raise awareness of the group and the opportunities available.  He explained that the Economic Development Officers who were representatives on the Group were kept up to date on progress.

The Chairman commented that it would be beneficial for the Panel to receive updates from the Economic Development Officer at the Borough Council as appropriate.  The Chairman also requested that if any information was available on the potential formation of Community Housing Trusts that it be circulated to the Panel.

In response to a question from the Chairman it was explained that the current status of the LEADER funding was that businesses could now apply for funding and the Local Action Group would meet in the New Year to assess the applications.  Work was ongoing to promote the availability of the grant funding.  The Portfolio Holder for Culture Heritage and Health, Councillor Mrs Nockolds commented that the availability of the LEADER funding had been promoted at a recent meeting of the West Norfolk Tourism Forum.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Long asked where businesses should be directed if there were having difficulty with broadband connection.  The Panel was informed that funding was unavailable through the LEADER programme for broadband as this was covered by the Better Broadband for Norfolk roll out.  She explained that the programme was ongoing to improve connectivity in the area.  Vouchers were available to businesses that could not be connected through the scheme and businesses should contact Norfolk County Council.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Industrial Assets, Councillor Beales, commented that the funding available through the scheme could be useful to small local businesses and the tourism sector.  He reminded those present that funding opportunities had been available previously and this was the next round of available funding.

RESOLVED: (i) The update was noted.

(ii) The Panel be kept informed of progress as appropriate.