Minutes:
Councillor Daubney presented his report. Councillor Mrs Collop asked whether Council would be given an update on the Educational Attainment for West Norfolk, to which Councillor Daubney agreed that he would be happy to arrange an update later in the year.
Councillor Devereux congratulated the Leader on the attraction of so much high quality and technology to the Borough, and also commended the business support and aftercare given by the Borough, the overall picture showing the Borough was prospering and growing. Councillor Daubney referred to the small business liaison team at the Council who assisted businesses with advice and guidance where possible. He had received numerous compliments on the service provided by the Council on this matter. He reminded Members that in approximately a years’ time, the new Innovation Centre would also be in operation which would be a further boost for the area.
Councillor Humphrey drew attention to the exciting inward investment in the Borough at Marham and Bexwell, particularly as the sites were close to each other so potentially providing synergy between the two sites. Councillor Daubney referred to the advanced engineering taking place in the Borough such as the Fast Jet Technology, all of which provided higher paid jobs and opportunities for local people including local apprenticeships being formed.
Councillor A Tyler made reference to some problems he had recently experienced with delays at the bus station. He asked if these should be reported directly to the bus company or to the Council. Councillor Daubney commented that he should address them to the bus company, unless there were consistent problems with the level of service, the Council would need to know about. He commented that the new bus station provided information which was clear and accessible.
Councillor Tyler also suggested that the information rack at the railway station should be better placed for all to be able to access the leaflets it held. Councillor Daubney undertook to arrange some liaison with the Station.
Councillor Middleton, in referring to the National Construction College award of £4.5m under the Government’s Growth Fund and its £27m refurbishment asked Councillor Daubney if the Council’s congratulations should be sent to the Board in achieving the grant. Councillor Daubney agreed, and drew attention to CITB’s chequered history which had included questions about its viability. The Centre’s facilities were now second to none, and enabled the College to provide the staff to for the construction industry. Councillor Daubney also wished to pass best wishes to the Principal of the College, who he had just learned had been seriously ill and just returned to work.
Councillor Shorting asked if the Council provided a business start up service, including funding for young people. Councillor Daubney explained that if they enquired of the Council they would be signposted to the Enterprise Agency, or the Princes Trust in particular who were there to help younger people and also to provide some funding streams.
Councillor J Collop asked what the Leaders view was on the reorganisation or local Councils. Councillor Daubney responded that in learning what was required for the Devolution of Power his view was that a good constructive working relationship with close partners was required, which could bring funding to the area for the good of Norfolk. It had been made clear that there would be no additional funding, but it was bidding to carry out the work of the central Government departments. He offered to discuss the issue with Councillor Collop should he wish to do so.